Marie O. Compton

Marie Oline Mellum (Hobbs) Compton was born on July 2, 1944 at Maddock ND the daughter of Helen (Sundell) and Louis Mellum.  She was baptized, confirmed and married in North Viking Lutheran Church in Maddock ND. 

Marie attended the Maddock Elementary School and graduated from the Benson County Agricultural School in 1962.  Go BCATS! A very exciting part of her teens, was being a part of her Dad’s dance band as the piano player for several years.  As a young woman, she worked at the Farmers Union Insurance Agency of Maddock and the Maddock Theater.  Marie continued her education at the Trinity School of Nursing in Minot, later she attended Lake Region Junior College and took several classes in Special Education at Minot State University. 

Marie was united in marriage to David Hobbs Sr. of Northwood ND in August of 1964 and they were parents to Helen Louise and David Jr. They established their home in Grand Forks ND and Madera CA. While living in Grand Forks, Marie worked at Norby’s.

On February 27, 1972, Marie was united in marriage to Earl Compton of Oberon ND.  They were parents to children Kristina Maria, Ira Earl and Laura Jo.  They made their home in Oberon where they farmed, then moved to Maddock. In 1981 they moved to Minnewaukan where they raised their family. After their kids were grown, they moved to Fargo in 1993.  Marie made her home in Devils Lake the last 15 years. No matter where Marie lived, she became an active member of the community and found work that would be so important to others. 

Marie’s thirteen year career in Special Education included para-professional jobs in Maddock, West Fargo and Devils Lake.  She also worked with adults with disabilities for several years and at the Dakota Clinic.   She shared her musical talent and was the accompanist for the Minnewaukan school choir, and an organist for many churches in the area, including the Lutheran church in Flora ND.  She could play anything by ear.  She also served as a volunteer for the Minnewaukan Ambulance Service.   During the early years, she had a Cub Scout Troop, gave piano lessons, worked with 4-H and taught Sunday School.  She was an active member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, the Prayer Chain, Choir, was part of the Devils Lake Senior Center Band, the Lake Region Quilters, the Timely Topics of Minnewaukan, American Legion Auxiliary, Rebekahs and the Lake Region Library Board in recent years.  Always willing to serve, lend a helping hand, be of service to others.

Marie’s focus and joy was her family; cooking, sewing, writing and family reunions kept her busy.  Marie was the best Grandma ever! She never missed an opportunity to attend her grandchildren’s activities.  Marie never knew a stranger, and was comfortable talking to anyone.  She loved to visit, play music, dance and cards. From a toddler, she always had a dog,a family member commented that “Marie was a friend to every dog in Maddock”.  She loved her cows on the farm too. They all had Norse names.  Anything Norse was priority in her life. She spoke fluent Norwegian. She loved hearing about her ancestors.

Growing up as an only child, she learned many things from her parents.  With her Mom, she learned to cook-especially lefse, to dance, needle work and learned all the 1930’s and 1940’s songs her Mom knew.  Marie went hunting and fishing with her Dad and their dog for several years.  The music they shared, violin and piano-gave her wonderful memories. Marie always knew she was loved.  As for hobbies, she received awards for poetry, sewed many costumes and blankets and loved to travel.  She was always up for an adventure!

Marie’s loving family include her children David (Julie) Hobbs Jr., Madera CA, Kristina Thompson, Devils Lake, Ira Earl Compton III, Williston ND; and blessed with 12 grandchildren Tyler, Collin, Spencer and Payten Hobbs, Steven and Mathew Trevino, Dale Volk Jr., Kayla Mahar, Kaitlyn, Austin, Jaiden and Jerzey Thompson; great grandchildren Dominik McKay, Mason and Greyson Volk; adopted sons Ward Thompson, Devils Lake and Julian Pahl, Jamestown ND; sons-in-law Mike Trevino, Fresno CA and Brad Thompson, Devils Lake; family friend Donnie Kraft also Devils Lake; sister-in-law Kathy Aslakson, Billing MT and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands David Hobbs Sr. and Earl Compton, daughters Helen Hobbs-Trevino and Laura Jo Compton, brother Marcus Mellum, sister Cora Thomas, nephews Steven and Thom Mellum, Ritchie Thomas, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Lois and Owen Johnson, Orville and Alice (Tompkins) Compton, Leigh Aslakson, special friend Donnie Belgarde and several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Marie is grateful for all her family and her many friends. Little do they know how they helped her life along!

Pallbearers will be Dale Volk Jr., Austin Thompson, Brad Thompson, Lance Loken, Bob Nelson and Donnie Kraft. Honorary Bearers are the Staff at Lake Country Manor, Eventide Good Samaritan, Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd, Dr. Stevenson and ICU Staff at St. Alexius in Bismarck.