Clarise Myrtle Janet Aas was born March 27, 1924 to George and Anna (Olson) Aas on the family farmstead near Benedict, ND. She entered peacefully into heaven on Tuesday, July 24th, 2012. Her funeral will be on Friday, July 27th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Garrison. Pallbearers will be her grandson, Alan Eslinger, Steven Eslinger, Corey Eslinger,Zac Eslinger, and Chad Wimer, and nephews, Joe Aas, David Aas, and Scott Arntzen. Burial will take place at the Garrison City Cemetery.

As a young girl, Clarise attended country school near the Aas family farm. After finishing the 8th grade, she then worked and stayed with a family in Velva during the school year, often getting home only once a month during the winter months. She graduated from Velva High School in 1942.

Upon graduation, Clarise worked at the AAA office, which is now known as the FSA office, where she met her future husband, Arthur Eslinger. On November 12th, 1944, they were united in marriage at Zion Lutheran Church near Coleharbor. This church now sits at Camp of the Cross west of Garrison. Clarise and Art began their new life on Art's family farmstead east of Garrison. There they milked cows, raised chickens, cattle, pigs, and, most importantly, their eight children.

Clarise was the living definition of unconditional love. It didn't matter what happened with her children, grandchildren, husband, siblings, or friends. When you were loved by Clarise, all of your faults were overlooked and forgiven. She may not have liked something you had done, but she never judged. If you had something you needed to talk about 'Ma' was the person to go to – she could keep a secret like nobody's business!

Clarise was a life-long member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Garrison. She was active in the ladies organization, where she held numerous offices throughout the years. She also taught Sunday School and, in later years, she was a greeter along with her husband Art.

Clarise had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She had a special spark that will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Clarise is survived by her husband of over 67 years, Art, her children, Gaylen and Kathy Eslinger, Del and Kelley Sayler, Wayne Eslinger, Arlo and Sandy Eslinger, Clair Eslinger, Calvin and Ronda Eslinger, #9, and daughter-in-law, Diana Eslinger. Her grandchildren include Nicholas, Anastasia, Deleene, Tonya, Russell, Brenda, Steven, Stacy, Kendra, Michael, Amber, Tara, Alan, Katie, Chad, Kelly, Ryan, Zac, Leah, Britteny, and Corey, as well as numerous great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by her sister, Helen Arntzen and her family; and her brother Lynn Aas and his family. Clarise will be reunited in heaven with her sons Russell and Brian, her sister Gladys, her brother Henry, her twin Carl and her parents.