Edith Laning

A beautiful faith-filled servant was called home on Saturday February 22, 2025.

Edith LaVerne Ellingson was born on a farm south of Edgeley on March 16, 1924 to Elmer and Sadie (Tomlin) Ellingson.  Her family later moved to Willowbank Township where she attended country school and graduated from Edgeley High School.

She and Ray Laning were married on March 8, 1943, in Chapel 13 at Hattiesburg, Mississippi where Ray was serving in the army.  After his release, they returned to make their home in Edgeley where, with the help of Edith’s dad, they moved a house to town from the John and Nina Anderson’s farm. She was a busy homemaker with six kids.  Edith and Ray operated Ray’s Garage, she took care of the books and sometimes drove for parts.  She also did a short stint as a baker at Riley’s Jack and Jill and did daycare for many years.  Ray died February 16, 1989.

The family worshipped at the Edgeley United Methodist Church where Edith was very active, serving as Sunday School Superintendent for 8 years, as well as other church offices, and Sunday School teacher for many many years.

She is survived by her daughters Laverne Nelson, Linda (Scott) Nelson, Lorette (Douglas) Hoopman and Leah (Glenn) Schulz, her sons Vernon (Rose) Laning and Virgil Laning.  Her Grandchildren: Jody Nelson, Kay Retzer, Jessen (Anna) Nelson, Lane (Steve) Morris, Susan (Mark) Danker, Carrie (Greg) Clayton, Ray (Andy) Laning, Derek (Lynnette) Laning, Brad (Sara) Laning, Christine (Nick) Uptain, Michelle (Bob) Manning, Alexis (Morgan) Burks, Travis Hoopman, Landon McDowell, Mylee (Ryan) McDowell, Jenna (Alan) Anderson.  Edie has 28 Great Grandchildren and 10 Great Great Grandchildren and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.  Also, her special cousin Audrey Horsager.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, her siblings, Ray’s siblings, Son-in-Law Loren Nelson, twin baby Nelson grandsons, Grandson Gerard Retzer, Great Granddaughter Hadley Jo Retzer, and Great Grandsons – baby Benjamin Laning and Liam Todd McDowell.

In the Bible (John 13:34-35) Jesus said, “Love one another as I have loved you.”  Edith tried to obey that command during her lifetime and was shown much love in return by many dear friends and relatives.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Four Seasons Healthcare Center in Forman ND for their loving care during Mom’s last year!  And, to the Oakes Community Hospital for their compassion and care in her last days!

The celebration of a life well lived will be Wednesday, February 26 at 2pm at Edgeley United Methodist Church, with internment at Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, direct memorials to Edgeley United Methodist Church – Memorial Fund or the Edgeley Ambulance Service.