EDNA FOSS

Edna May Foss, 93, of Rugby, ND died early Wednesday morning, September 19, 2012, at the Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home in Crookston, MN. Due to failing health, Edna had come to the Villa on April 26th of this year so that she could be closer to her daughter, Jan Vallager. Edna was born in Kohlmeier Township, near Rolette, ND on October 2, 1918, and was one of six children of the union of Ted and Lora (Rice) Kjorvestad. She grew up on the family farm, near Rolette, and was baptized and confirmed at the Valle Lutheran Church. Edna attended nearby country school and as a young girl began working on neighboring farms doing housekeeping and cooking for the farm hands. She was later employed in the housekeeping and laundry department at the Rolette Hospital, before going on to work in the dietary department of the San Haven Sanitarium, near Dunseith, ND. On October 28, 1960, Edna was united in marriage to Melvin Foss at the Willow Creek Lutheran Church in Overly, ND. The couple lived in Kohlmeier Township and farmed there until Melvin’s passing on October 10, 1982. Edna remained on the farmstead until moving to Rugby ten years later. In 2010 she became a resident of Haaland Estates in Rugby, living there until moving to Crookston. Edna’s faith played a large role in her life; she was a member of the Willow Creek Lutheran Church at Overly, and the Ladies Aid (WELCA) of the church. While living at Rugby she had been attending Bethany Lutheran Church. Edna also held membership in the Homemakers Club at Overly for many years. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and baking, especially pies and cookies. Edna liked having company and entertaining, and received guests into her home with a big smile. Taking friends with her to area church suppers was a favorite pastime. Every fall they went to as many lutefisk dinners as they could find and there were lots of them. Edna cherished time spent with her daughter, Jan and family, and especially getting to know her great-grandchildren. May God bless the memory of Edna Foss. Loving family members include her daughter and son-in-law, Jan and John Vallager of Crookston, MN; two granddaughters and three great-grandchildren: Kris Sufka and her husband, Brad, and their children, Jenna and Jacob, of Minot, ND, and Kari Moe and her husband, Tim, and their son, Grant, of Fisher, MN. Edna also leaves three sisters: Pearl Buck of St. Paul, MN, Marian (Newell) Dostalar of Buena Park, CA, and Lucille Beaver of Rolette, ND; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In addition to her beloved husband of twenty-one years, Melvin, Edna was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Lora Kjorvestad; a sister, Mabel Boucher; and a brother, Lyle Kjorvestad. A funeral service in celebration of the life of Edna May Foss will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, September 24, 2012, at the Willow Creek Lutheran Church, 115 4th Avenue East, in Overly, ND, with The Rev. John Hesford, officiating. Visitation will be at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the Willow Creek Cemetery. Memorials may be given in Edna’s name to the Willow Creek Lutheran Church, c/o Jan Vallager, 520 5th Avenue NE, Crookston, MN 56716.