Elfreda O. Botts, 97, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at the PioneerCare Center in Fergus Falls.

She was born April 2, 1914, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of John and Ida (Schmidt) Hanson. She grew up on the farm, and attended Park Region and Lincoln Elementary, and then Washington High School in Fergus Falls. She then worked out taking care of people's homes and families.

On July 20, 1936, she married George E. Botts. They lived in Fergus Falls and then in Ohio for a short time. They returned to Buse Township where they farmed with her husband's family. In 1942 they moved to Fergus Falls, doing odd jobs, including working at the hospital, and doing day care.

She was a member of Federated Church where she participated in the women's groups, and also volunteered with CampFire and Cub Scouts.

Elfreda enjoyed gardening – both vegetables and flowers, baking and cooking, and crafting and other hand work.

Preceding her in death were her husband, George, on February 7, 1990, and her siblings, Donald Hanson, Baldwin Hanson, LeRoy Hanson, Irene Anderson, and Doris Kvalheim.

Survivors include her children: Joan Tester of Fergus Falls, and Rollin (Julie) Botts of Bloomington; six grandchildren: Bruce (Teresa), Marcy, and Kevin Tester, and Candice (Tim) Hopwood, Darin (Lynn) and Craig Botts; five great-grandchildren: Nicholas and Sherrie Mueller, Chloe and Noah Botts, and Kate Golda; and her siblings: Olga Teberg of Fergus Falls, Lucille Schmidt of Hutchinson, Violet Scott of Fergus Falls, Lester (Dorothy) Hanson of Chula Vista, CA, Marvin Hanson of Fergus Falls, and Gordon (Marjean) Hanson of Underwood.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the PioneerCare Center

Service: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, August 13, 2011, at the PioneerCare Center Chapel in Fergus Falls

Clergy: Reverend Doug Dent

Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens in Fergus Falls

Arrangements by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls

Memorials are preferred to the Federated Church or the PioneerCare Foundation.