Ella Johnson Borge

Ella's Funeral Service can be seen here: https://vimeo.com/925407542

Her tribute video may be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/6KZS8R5X5HWJLYPT

Ella Johnson Borge, 98, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024. She was born on December 5, 1925 to Julius and Trina Johnson in Niobrara, Nebraska and grew up on a farm in Firesteel, South Dakota. Ella was best known for her strong faith, warm heart and kindness to her family and friends.

After graduating from Augustana Academy in Canton, South Dakota where she met her husband and love of her life, Alf, Ella taught for two years in a one room schoolhouse. Ella earned her registered nurse degree from Lutheran Deaconess School of Nursing in Chicago while Alf attended medical school in Madison, Wisconsin. Ella and Alf embarked on an incredible journey, studying tropical diseases in Panama and learning French in Paris before spending five weeks on a freighter to Madagascar with three-year-old Carol, one-year-old David and another one on the way. They spent a decade in Madagascar serving as medical missionaries before returning to the United States, eventually making their home in Fargo.

Ella's love extended to family and friends, ensuring there was always a hearty meal and conversation at the kitchen table, a cozy bed for weary travelers, made from scratch caramel rolls on Sunday morning, and a plump-full cookie jar. Yet, it was not the kitchen but the family cabin on West Silent Lake that held a special place in Ella's heart, as that was where many hugs were given, scrabble games played, stories told and a lifetime of memories were made.

Ella established the Olivet quilting group in the early '70s and many hours were spent quilting with her Olivet friends crafting warmth, stitching together hope and God's grace, and sending hundreds of quilts to faraway countries. Her rosemaling - meticulous strokes of beauty - was also absolute perfection, as the many recipients of her bowls, plates, ornaments and trunks can attest.

Ella is survived by her children: David (Adrienne) Borge of Tiburon, CA; John (Kathy) Borge of Dent, MN; Ann (David) Richard of Dent, MN; Lila Wills of Pilot, VA; and Richard Borge of Brooklyn, NY; son-in-law Wayne (Cynthia) Reitz; grandchildren Trina, Melissa, Rachael, Jeffrey, Max, Demetrius, Saani, Megan, Mollie, Hannah and Jacob; great-grandchildren Cassandra, Hazel, Luke, Juniper, Ella, Emma and Amelia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Alf, infant son Robert, daughter Carol, and siblings Jasper, Loyd, Irene, Ralph, Leola, Julia, Helen and Walter.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on March 21, 2024 at Olivet Lutheran Church, 1330 S University Dr, Fargo. Visitation will be held one hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in honor of Ella to Global Health Ministries, 7831 Hickory St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55432 or online at ghm.org, designated for Ejeda Hospital, Madagascar.