MAVIS JEAN ARENDS, age 71, of Ellsworth, died Sunday, October 9, 2016, at the Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington. She was born April 24, 1945, in Luverne, to Martin and Jennie (Broesder) Lenz. She graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1963.

Mavis married Larry "Rip" Arends on September 3, 1966, in Slayton. After their marriage, the couple lived in Ellsworth. Mavis worked at the Parkview Manor Nursing Home, in Ellsworth, before she began working at the Ellsworth Elementary School as a Para.

She was a member of the Zion Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth. She enjoyed shopping, attending garage sales and traveling to casinos.

Mavis is survived by her two children, Craig (Heather) Arends, Maple Grove; and Brenda Arends, Apple Valley; two grandchildren, Emily & Gabriel Arends; brother, Dellis (Marianne) Lenz, Hanover; and two nieces, Sarah & Rachel Lenz.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Larry on October 23, 2015.

A memorial service will be 11 am Friday at the Zion Presbyterian Church, in Ellsworth, officiated by Pastor Paul Snyder. A time of fellowship will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial of cremains will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, in Minneapolis, at a later date.

Dingmann Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Adrian, is in charge of arrangements.

To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book, or order flowers please visit www.dingmannandsons.com