Loretta “Ardelle” B. Thoreson, 72, of Virginia, formally of Embarrass, died surrounded by her family, Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s in Duluth.

Loretta Belle Thoreson was born May 20, 1943, in Thief River Falls, to Peter and Edna (Nelson) Nygaard. She graduated from Goodridge High School in 1960. Loretta was united in marriage to Leonard Thoreson on Nov. 16, 1963, in Goodridge. Following their marriage, they made their home in Embarrass. She was a homemaker until she started working as a nursing assistant in Virginia and at the White Community Hospital.

She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their sporting events.

Loretta liked working in her flower garden, playing with her dogs, Hoky and Bella, and she loved taking pictures. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by husband of 52 years, Leonard; children, Lynne (Jeff) Judnick of Virginia, Lyle (Vicki Cochran) Thoreson of Virginia; grandchildren, Wesley Judnick, Derek Judnick, Savanna Thoreson, and Holly Thoreson; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Louie Nygaard, Bernice Newman, and Donald Nygaard

A funeral service was held Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, at Range Funeral Home in Virginia.