Ardyce Elaine Knutson passed away peacefully on Monday, May 20, 2024, at the age of 89. Ardyce was born on July 8,1934 in Ulen, Minnesota, to Ida (Holt) Leirness and Elton (Clarence) Pederson.
Soon after her parents divorced Ardyce and her Mom (Ida) moved to Fargo, North Dakota. Ida married Chester Leirness in 1948 and they moved to Hillsboro, North Dakota where Ardyce graduated from High School in 1953.
On June 6,1953 Ardyce married the love of her life, Leonard (Shorty) Knutson. Ardyce and Shorty worked for Chester and Ida at his potato farm in Hillsboro. In 1955 Ardyce and Shorty moved to Tacoma, Washington where they welcomed their daughter Mickey (1957). They later moved to Helena, Montana which became her forever home. Together they welcomed their two sons Lonnie (1959) and Tim (1961).
For many years Ardyce helped Shorty run the family concrete business until his passing in 1984 and continued to work as the manager of the Fort Harrison VAF Credit Union until her retirement in 1996. Ardyce enjoyed traveling with friends, but most of all she valued quality time with her family. She was a loving and caring mother, grandmother (or best known as Grammy) and friend to many. She adored her pets and we are sure they were there to greet her over the rainbow bridge.
Ardyce is preceded in death by her parents Ida and Chester Leirness and Elton Pederson, her husband Leonard Knutson and her son Lonnie Knutson.
Ardyce is survived by her two children Mickey Carlson and Tim Knutson of Helena. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Cassie Carlson and Kim Taiclet of Spokane, WA. Her grandson Chase Knutson of Helena. Her great grandchildren Abbi, Skyler and Cooper of Spokane, WA, Araya and Raelynn of Helena.
Ardyce will be missed greatly by her family and friends. She will forever be in our hearts.
A graveside service celebrating Ardyce’s life will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday May 30, 2024
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday May 30, 2024
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Tom Juhl says
Ardyce what a dear lady I have known since the 70s, started my concrete career with her husband Lenard. To me she was always smiling and happy. My condolences to the family……….
Julie Stinchfield DeMars says
Awww…Ardyce was a wonderful, kind, beautiful lady and the best neighbor ever!! I have so many fond memories of all of the Knutson family. I’m sure Shorty welcomed her with open arms. Sending love and prayers for peace to the family.
Susan (Bass) Proul says
Mickey…I am sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Keep all the beautiful memories in your heart and she will be with you always. My thoughts and prayers to you and the family.
Chris and Skip Eby says
We were very sorry to hear about your mom Mickey. So many good memories of time spent at the Flathead and adventures at your house on Winne. Your mom was a special person for sure. Sending love to you, Tim, Cassie, Kim and your families.