Avis Louise Tilden

Avis Easton Tilden, age 97, passed away on Saturday, May 23. Avis was born on November 3, 1928, in Medora, North Dakota, to Myron "Mike" Easton and Hazel Stedwell Easton. She was raised in the rural Medora area, attending Indian Hills Grade School and graduating from Beach High School in 1946. She went on to attend the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. After her first year of college, she lost the fingers of her left hand in a work accident. Support for the remaining years of college were covered by state-sponsored worker's compensation and vocational education. She earned a degree in journalism in 1950. Following college, Avis began her career as a reporter for weekly newspapers in Beach, North Dakota, and Plentywood, Montana. She later moved to Havre, Montana, where she served as the women's editor for the Havre Daily News, developing a lifelong love of storytelling and community engagement. On August 27, 1955, Avis married Robert "Bob" Tilden. Together they built a life grounded in faith, service, and family. The couple first made their home in Marshfield, Wisconsin, where Bob served as a high school band director and their daughter Janet "Jan" was born on March 2, 1958. After relocating to Mobridge, South Dakota, Bob and Avis had another daughter Linda, who was born on January 8, 1961. Answering a call to ministry, Bob attended United Theological Seminary in New Brighton, Minnesota, while Avis worked at the Honeywell Plant in Minneapolis. The family later moved to Andrew, Iowa, where Bob continued his studies at Dubuque Theological Seminary and served the Andrew and Emeline Presbyterian Churches. Bob's ministry led the family to Renville, Minnesota, and then in 1968 to Crosby, Minnesota. During their eight years in Crosby, Avis was deeply involved in community life, serving on the public library board, participating in Presbyterian Women, and working part-time as a church secretary. The family later moved to Baldwin, Wisconsin, where Avis began a long career with 3M. She held a variety of roles, but her favorite was secretary and copy editor in the Department of Audio-Visual Communications. After Bob's retirement, they settled in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, and later in Burnsville, MN. Following Bob's passing in 1987, Avis continued her life of service with remarkable dedication. After retiring from 3M, she devoted herself to volunteer work in both her church and the broader community. Avis had a special passion for education and outreach. She joined Toastmasters where she honed her skills as a speaker. She was member of American Association of University Women. She worked as an English as a Second Language tutor for adult learners and was recognized for her efforts with the 1997 Gold Award for Outstanding Innovative Volunteer Service by the Minnesota Literacy Council, as well as the 2008-2009 John Coskran Volunteer Award from the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District. Her faith was central to her life. She remained actively involved in the Presbytery of the Twin Cities area, contributing to Preparation for Ministry, Peacemaking, Mission Support, and Presbyterian Women. She was also a devoted member and supporter of Central Presbyterian Church then later the Presbyterian Church of the Apostles. Avis's commitment to service extended beyond the United States. In 1994, she traveled to Africa, accompanying missionary friends in Nairobi, Kenya, as well as in Swaziland and Zambia. She later spent a year serving as a volunteer in border ministry in Hidalgo, Texas. In her later years, Avis lived at Central Towers in downtown St. Paul, where she was an active member of Central Presbyterian Church, located just across the street from her home. Most recently, she resided at The Rivers Retirement Community, where she remained a vibrant presence and continued her involvement with her church community. Avis will be remembered for her deep faith, her commitment to service, her love of learning, her welcoming acceptance of all people, and her unwavering dedication to helping others. Her life touched countless individuals through her work, her volunteerism, and her kindness. She will most be remembered for her smile as it could "light up an entire room." She is survived by her daughters, Jan Tilden of Woodbury, and Linda (Curtiss) Horarik of Salida, CO; as well as her grandchildren: Sarah Rostollan, Matthew Rostollan, Nicole Rostollan, Benjamin Horarik, and Mae Horarik; great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings as well as her beloved husband, Bob Tilden. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am on June 6 at the Presbyterian Church of the Apostles in Burnsville, MN. Visitation will be be prior to the service. Memorials may be directed to one of the following: The American Heart Association, The American Cancer Society, Central Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, MN, and Presbyterian Church of the Apostles in Burnsville, MN.

Avis Louise Tilden

November 3, 1928 - May 23, 2026

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