Marcia LaRae (Anderson) Hellandsaas, 65, of Watford City, North Dakota, passed away unexpectedly from a sudden illness on June 11, 2026.

Marcia was born on November 3, 1960, to Jim and Rosella Anderson. She grew up in Regent, North Dakota, and graduated from Regent High School in 1979 before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from North Dakota State University in 1984. She married John Hellandsaas in 1995; their son, Eric, was born in 1997.

Marcia dedicated her life to serving others. Her commitment to her community was so large it is difficult to describe in one short summary. She began her career with the North Dakota Health Department as an environmental health inspector, working throughout northwestern North Dakota. Soon after, she found her calling as a McKenzie County Extension Agent, a position she held for nearly 34 years. Through her work with 4-H programs in McKenzie and Dunn Counties, Marcia touched the lives of countless young people and their families. She was passionate about helping youth develop confidence, leadership, and life skills, and she worked tirelessly each year preparing for fairs, events, and shows.

Following her retirement, Marcia continued to dedicate her time to her community and the people she loved. She volunteered with the local hockey club, archery club, food pantry, and numerous other organizations, as well as being active in First Lutheran Church, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. She developed a passion for solo travel and enjoyed attending retreats and exploring the outdoors through hiking adventures.

Nothing brought Marcia more joy than spending time with her beloved granddaughter, Valley. She cherished every opportunity to be with her and create lasting memories together. During the summer months, Marcia could often be found back on her parents’ farm, helping family members during seeding and harvest. The farm remained a special place in her heart, and she especially loved tending to her garden and enjoying the peace and beauty of country life. Marcia was an avid runner, often taking a dog with her who always came back exhausted for days.

Marcia will be remembered for her kindness, her servant’s heart, her unwavering dedication to her family and community, and the positive impact she made on the lives of so many. Her legacy lives on through the countless young people she mentored, her friendships in the community, and the love she shared with those around her.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her son, Eric Hellandsaas and his wife, Brittany; her cherished granddaughter, Valley; her sisters, Kim Pachl and her husband, Randy, and Patsy Lisko and her husband, Russell; her sister-in-law, Jody Renbarger and her husband Jim; her sister-in-law, Peggy Hellandsaas; her nieces and nephews, Adam Pachl (Sara), Justin Lisko (Rainee), and Emily Young (Joey); as well as several beloved extended family members and dear friends.

Marcia was preceded in death by her husband, John Hellandsaas; her parents, Jim and Rosella Anderson; her grandparents, Elmer and Ruth Anderson, and Earl and Nora Honeyman; her brother-in-law, Scott Hellandsaas; her father-in-law, Orville Hellandsaas; her mother-in-law, Juliet Hellandsaas; and other beloved members of the Anderson and Hellandsaas families.