Kathleen Ann Noll, 64, Ellsworth

Kathleen Ann Noll left her earthly home in Ellsworth on April 2, 2009, at age 64, after a six-year challenge with ovarian cancer, but she never complained about her ordeal. Her smile and sense of humor will be missed and remembered.

She was born in a Red Wing Hospital, the third child of her parents, Vernon and Evelyne Noll, and grew up on their farm in rural Ellsworth. Following graduation from Ellsworth High School in 1962, she worked for the state of Minnesota in St. Paul for two years prior to marriage in 1964. She later served seven years as deputy clerk of court for Pierce County, followed by administrative assistant for Impact Seven in Woodville and River Falls, and for 15 years was a customer service representative at Treasure Island Casino near Red Wing. Over the years she enjoyed trips in the U.S. with family and friends to locations including Yellowstone and Cody, Wyo., Mount Rushmore and Sturgis, S.D., Dallas, Fort Worth, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Memphis, where she toured Graceland as a fan of Elvis and collector of his memorabilia. In 2000 she drove with her sister, brother and sister-in-law to Detroit for an aunt's 100th birthday. She especially enjoyed times with her grandchildren and family.

Kathy is survived by her three sons, Brian (Nancy) Yanish of Ellsworth, Bradley (Darcy Li) Yanish of Hudson, Michael (Michelle Whipple) Yanish of Roberts; seven grandchildren, Brady, Noah, Morgan Ann, Alisha, Devrin, Emma, Allison; sister, Jeanene (Vincent DeLusia) Noll of Minneapolis; brother, Jack (Barb) Noll of Bay City; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. She was preceded in death by aunts, uncles, grandparents, and her parents.

Mass of Christian burial for Kathy will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2009, at St. Francis Catholic Church, Ellsworth. Visitation will be at the church from 9 to 11 a.m. prior to Mass. Graveside services will be at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery, Clayfield, rural Ellsworth, where her parents are buried. Honorary pallbearers are nephews, Larry Noll and Kevin Noll, nieces, Lori Donnelly and Karen Ulrich, great-nephews, Eric Donnelly, and great-niece Tiffany Noll. Goddaughter Karen Ulrich will carry the memorial urn.

Hill Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Ellsworth, is assisting the family. You may go to www.hillfuneralservice.com for information and to extend an online condolence to the family.

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