Ella Pederson

Minot

Ella Suzanne Pederson was born in Fargo, North Dakota, on February 22, 2007, to her loving parents and big brother.

She passed away unexpectedly on May 17, 2025, at the Tioga Medical Center due to natural causes, most likely related to a seizure she was unable to overcome. Ella lived with a rare genetic disorder, IQSEC2, which likely contributed.

In 2008, she moved with her family to Minot, where she grew up and thrived in a supportive community. Ella was currently a junior at Minot North High School, where she was known for her bright spirit, infectious laugh, and warm presence.

Ella found joy in the simple, beautiful things–riding the bus, listening to music, snuggling with blankets (especially her favorite “kikis”), watching Doc McStuffins and Lilo & Stitch, taking naps, going on car rides, and spending time with her cats.

She loved Play-Doh, babies, kids, and the comforting routines of daily life and school. Above all, she cherished her family, teachers, classmates, caregivers, and friends.

Ella radiated joy with her larger-than-life personality and sense of humor that were unforgettable to all who knew her. She had a rare gift for making people smile, for connecting without words, and for simply being a light in the lives of so many. To know Ella was to love her, and everyone knew Ella.

She is survived by her mother, Shana (Steven Clark) Forster of Minot; her father, Jeremy (Carrie) Pederson of Ray; her brother, Aidan Pederson of Minot; step-sisters, Sydney and Avery Larson of Ray; grandparents, Mark and Crystal Forster of Bismarck and Don Pederson of Ray; aunts Kristi (Brent) Hanson of Williston and JeNell (Morgan) Sibbald of Copley, OH; uncle Reid (Aria) Forster of Bismarck; cousins Mackenzie, Jonah, Ryan, and William; numerous great-aunts, great-uncles, extended family members, her devoted respite family, and her two beloved cats, Maddie and Ozzy.

Ella was preceded in death by her grandmother, Donna Pederson; all of her great-grandparents; and her special cat, Jerry.

Even in her passing, Ella continued to help others through the selfless gift of organ and tissue donation. Her final act of kindness is a reflection of the compassion and love she received throughout her life. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched–and in the lives she helped save.

In lieu of flowers and plants, the family invites donations toward a scholarship being established in Ella’s name. It will serve as a way to give back to those who gave so much to her, and to continue a spirit of love and generosity.

Service to Remember Ella Pederson: 2 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2025, at First Lutheran Church, Minot.

To view a livestream of the service or to share memories and condolences access her obituary at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Visitation: Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

A family interment will occur at a later date.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 21, 2025.