Letta A. Moat

LETTA ANN MOAT was born on August 30, 1932, to Gustav and Esther (Williams) Rosen in Tyler, Minnesota. She grew up on a farm East of Russell alongside three siblings. They had an active childhood and were never afraid to get a little dirty whether from riding horses or just running around outdoors. Letta attended the Russell Public School and graduated in 1950. During her professional career, she served as a secretary for LP Hansen Insurance in Russell and was in charge of the nursery at Bud Rose Floral in Marshall for many years. In 1953, Letta was united in marriage to Lester Moat at the Presbyterian Church in Russell. To this union, four children were born; Les, Larry, Lori, and Lance. While raising her young family, she also enjoyed helping with work on the farm. Her love of riding and training horses extended into adulthood. The couple took a break from farming in 1972 and relocated to Blaine, Minnesota, but they returned to the farm three years later. Letta and Lester began working for Christensen Implement in Tyler, Minnesota and started L&L Builders Company in 1978. They remained on the farm until their retirement when they moved into Tyler. Following Lester’s death in 2008, Letta moved to her apartment in Russell and became a resident at Lakeview Senior Housing in Balaton, Minnesota in 2015. On November 26, 2021, Letta passed away peacefully at the age of 89 years, two months, and 27 days, after spending the day with all of her family.

Letta was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Russell and the Russell Round Up Riders Saddle Club. Many fun memories were made attending the Clear Lake Rodeo. She also helped organize the local Dairy Days Pageant. She stayed busy working in her flower and vegetable gardens, reading, jigsaw puzzles, and crocheting Afghan blankets. Letta was always up for a game of Pinochle or 500 and always had a word search book with her. Above all, she appreciated time spent with family. Though she will be remembered for her sense of humor, her toughness and ability to handle years of hard work were admirable qualities.

Letta is survived by her children, Les (special friend, Kerry Kennedy) Moat of Waseca, Minnesota, Larry Moat of Russell, Lori Taveirne of Tyler, and Lance (Linda) Moat of Colombia, Missouri; 13 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and one on the way; brother-in-law, Don (Ella) Moat of Marshall and Richard Bebus of Minneapolis, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Maria Rosen of Minneapolis; and many other friends and family members. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; siblings, Allen, Ellen, and Ken; and daughter-in-law, Susan Moat.