Elizabeth Knutson Markel

SHERWOOD Elizabeth Knutson Markel, 74, Dover, Fla., formerly of Sherwood and Minot, died Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, at a Brandon, Fla., hospital.

She was born Oct. 6, 1935, the second daughter of Edward and Rose (Paduska) Ritter. Most of her early years were spent in Prosperity Township west of Sherwood.

In November 1951 she was wed to Arne Knutson, and they made their life together farming in Prosperity and Stafford townships of Renville County. After Arne passed away in 1987, Betty turned over the farm to their son Brian and moved to Minot.

In 1992, she married Raymond Markel and they lived happily, moving between Lake Sakakawea in the summer and Brandon, Fla., in the winter.

Betty was a member of St. James Catholic Church, Sherwood; the Loyal Order of Moose Auxiliary and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary, both Brandon, Fla.; and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Minot.

Family: husband, Raymond Markel, Dover, Fla.; children, Renee (Jerry) Scott of Brandon, Fla.; Kent (Paula) Knutson, Littleton, Colo.; Dwight (Anita) Knutson, Sherwood; Brian (JoMarie) Knutson, rural Sherwood; Yvonne Knutson, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Gilmore (Bonnie) Knutson, Westhope; Susan Zamora, Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Jayme (Darlene) Knutson, Palmer Lake, Colo.; 22 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband Arne; her parents; and her sister, Agnes (Ritter) Light.

Funeral: Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at 11 a.m. in St. James Catholic Church, Sherwood.

Rosary: Sunday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. in the church

Visitation: Sunday, from 2 to 7 p.m., at the church in Sherwood. Friends may also sign the online guestbook at (www.brosefuneralhome.com) or at (facebook.com/Brose Funeral Home).

(Brose Funeral Home, Mohall)