MAVIS J. GERRELLS

Mavis J. Gerrells, 81 a life-long resident of the Lake Region passed away on Wednesday evening, December 5, 2012 at the Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake with her family at her bedside. Funeral Services for Mavis will be held on Monday, December 10, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Rev. Jeff Nicla will officiate and burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Mavis June, daughter of Hugo and Selma (Pulst) Garske, was born on June 7, 1931 on the family farm, rural Garske, ND. She went to country school for several years then attended Devils Lake Central High School, graduating with the class of 1949. Mavis married her high school sweetheart, Jay W. Gerrells on October 20, 1950. After living in Alabama for a time while Jay was in the service, they made their home and raised their family in Devils Lake. Since 1980, they spent the winter months in Arizona. Mavis was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and the WELCA, Jayceettes, and while her children were in school she was active in the PTA, served as a Brownie Scout Leader and the family hosted a foreign exchange student from Argentina. For many years, Mavis also hosted the Welcome Wagon through the Lake Region Chamber of Commerce. A wonderful homemaker and excellent cook, Mavis always made sure that everyone’s favorite dish was frequently on the menu. A talented seamstress, she made clothes for her family and many others, sewed doll clothes and many other creations. Everything Mavis did for her family and others was always done with joy; always without complaining; always with kindness, love and a caring heart. She also had a special love for animals Our beloved Mavis-wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. We shall hold your memory in our hearts forever. Mavis is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jay; children, Judy Gerrells of Minneapolis, MN, Lorrie Pescion of Fargo, ND and Scott Gerrells and his wife, Kristie of Devils Lake; four grandchildren, Preston Stewart; Robyn, Cody and Stevie Gerrells; great granddaughter, Bella Pladson; brother Kermit Garske and his wife Glenna also of Devils Lake; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Barbara and Duane Butts of Minot, ND and Bill Gerrells of Vergas, MN; many nieces, nephews and their families and her dear kitty companion, Tiger. Mavis was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, Steven and sister, Ethel Rance.