Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — Ardis Lorraine Foster of Thief River Falls died Tuesday, December 23, 2025. She was 97 years, 4 months, and 13 days old. She died at the Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls. Her daughter was with her.
Early life
Foster was born on August 10, 1928, in Thief River Falls. Her parents were Edward and Olive Stoughton.
She grew up in Thief River Falls. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1946.
She later attended the University of Minnesota Duluth. She later moved with her family to Tucson, Arizona.
Marriage and family
She married Ralph F. Foster on December 29, 1950, in Washington, D.C.
After a New York City honeymoon, they lived in Falls Church, Virginia.
While in Virginia, she worked for the U.S. Department of Labor.
In 1953, they welcomed their first son, Ralph Allen. The family later returned to Thief River Falls.
They were later joined by son Jonathan and daughter Sandra.
Work and community life
From 1960 to 1968, the couple owned and operated The Junior Shop in Thief River Falls.
Foster later worked at Union State Bank. She also worked at The Jewel Box and Corner Drug.
She was active at Zion Lutheran Church.
She held leadership roles in several local groups, according to family information.
She also led youth groups and supported local activities.
Family members said she also made crafts and sold them.
Years in Arizona
After several years as “snowbirds,” she and her husband moved to Tucson in 1980.
She worked as a head cashier at Piccadilly Cafeteria. She later worked at Olive Garden.
She later worked for the Arizona Department of Revenue. She retired in 1993.
In Arizona, she served in her park association. She served as president, secretary, and treasurer.
Family members said she was named an outstanding resident twice.
They said she also created a library for residents.
Family members said she wrote a book for her grandchildren. The book covered her Depression-era childhood in TRF.
She cared for her husband for nine years. He died in 2011.
Return to Minnesota
In 2014, Foster returned to Thief River Falls. She moved in with her daughter, Sandee.
Preceded in death
- Parents: Edward and Olive Stoughton.
- Husband: Ralph F. Foster.
- Son: Jon.
- Great-granddaughter: Nova DeFrang.
- Sister: Verna Hughes.
- Brother-in-law: James Hughes.
Survivors
- Son: Ralph A. Foster of Chandler, Arizona.
- Daughter: Sandee Rude of Thief River Falls.
- Grandchildren: Ryan Rude, Kelsy DeFrang, Cody Foster (Melanie), and Brian Foster.
- Great-grandchildren: Paige (Derik) Sivertson, Trey Ladner (Zoe), Courtney (Deacon), Arielle (Jaden), O’Rian, Sabrina Rude, Koral DeFrang, Autumn “Rylie” McFarland-Foster, Citlali, Ava, Liam, and Cillian Alvarez-Foster.
- Great-great-grandchildren: Hadley and Blake Sivertson, Cohen Steele, and Haisley Kiesow.
Service details
A funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls.
Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the funeral home.
Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
Memorials
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls.
Memorials may also be made to the Pennington County Humane Society.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.