WHITE LAKE, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota's oldest known resident has died.
Olga Luella Mortrude, formerly of Aberdeen, died Thursday at the Aurora Brule Nursing Home in White Lake. She was 110.
Mortrude, born Sept. 6, 1896, in Luverne, Minn., had been a resident of the White Lake nursing home for nine years.
The state's Centenarian of the Year for 2006 celebrated her 110th birthday this past year, prompting Gov. Mike Rounds to declare it "Olga Mortrude Day."
Mortrude, a lifelong teacher, graduated from Luverne Public School in 1916. She taught at Rock County schools in Minnesota for three years before attending Winona (Minn.) State Teacher's College, where she earned a kindergarten teaching degree.
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In 1938 she received a bachelor's degree from Aberdeen's Northern College.
After teaching kindergarten for a year in Huron, she moved to Aberdeen and spent 40 years at the Adams School. She also taught afternoon kindergarten classes at Simmons, Lincoln and Washington schools.
Mortrude retired in 1962 and continued to live in Aberdeen until turning 100.
She's survived by a nephew, Jack Mortrude; his wife, Delores, of Brandon; and several great-nephews and nieces.
Services are planned for 10 a.m. Saturday at Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne, Minn., with burial following at Maplewood Cemetery.
Florence Johnson, 109, of Aberdeen, is now South Dakota's the oldest known resident, according to LuAnn Severson, director of public affairs and professional development for the South Dakota Health Care Association and keeper of Century Club records.
