Judy Ethel Rusten

Judy Ethel Rusten, 83, of Aneta, ND, passed away on May 5, 2025.

Judy was born on November 3, 1941 to Thilmar and Harriet (Long) Egeland at Sharon, ND. She grew up and went to school in Aneta, graduating in 1959. On May 1, 1966 she married Allen Rusten at Aneta Community Church.

Judy worked various jobs over the years. She was a bookkeeper for Hatton Co-op managed by John Hillesland and was the business manager for Aneta Public School. She also worked at Laxdahl feed, Big Al’s Bakery, Spicer’s Grocery Store, Aneta Parkview Health Center, Aneta City Auditor and L & L Laundry.

As a devoted farm wife, Judy was actively involved in all aspects of the farm. She drove machinery, worked alongside Allen with various farm chores, and managed much of the farm's business operations, all while making sure everyone was fed. She had a giving spirit, often making food for those in the community during times of need and was well known for her brown bread and doughnuts.

Judy was a dedicated member of her community, where she was involved with the Lenora Homemakers, was the Lenora Township Clerk and was a passionate 4-H leader for over 30 years. She was a member of both the Aneta Community Church and Ottawa Lutheran Church, serving as treasurer at Ottawa. Judy was a talented organist, providing music for the church since 1966. She and Allen also led many worship services at Aneta Parkview Health Center. Judy accompanied Allen, and together they provided the gift of music for many funerals over the years.

Judy enjoyed gardening, sewing, and making rugs. But most of all, she loved spending time and helping her family.

Judy is survived by 2 children, Angie (Stuart) Gullicks, Finley, and Tim (Jennifer) Rusten, Aneta; 11 grandchildren, Ethan (Joni), Grant, and Darren Gullicks; Rachel (Matthew) Gotter, Wyatt, Cord, and Evan Rusten; Sage, Kinley, Nevada, and Kelbie Rusten; 4 great-grandchildren, Sullivan, Callahan, and Wallace Gullicks, and Weston Aabrekke; brother, Jack (Kathy) Egeland; brother-in-law, Hank Rusten; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Allen; son, Scott; sisters-in-law, Evelyn (Emmit) Mahan, Arlene (Jim) Lee, Clarice (Albert) Bohle, and Bonnie Rusten; and aunt, Marilyn Rustad.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Ottawa Lutheran Church, rural Aneta.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Ottawa Lutheran Church, with visitation at 1:00 PM.

Burial will be at the Ottawa Lutheran Church Cemetery.