Yvonne Lorraine Thumb

Yvonne L. Thumb, 62 of Oberon ND passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday evening, January 3, 2021. 

Yvonne Lorraine Thumb was born December 9^th, 1958 in New Rockford ND to Martin and Florence (IronHeart) Thumb.  She was the youngest of 13 kids.  She grew up on the Spirit Lake Nation, living near Woodlake and in Oberon ND.  She also spent time living in Montana.  Growing up being the baby, also meant growing up with many nieces and nephews.  She’s always been everyone’s favorite Aunt.  The door to her home was always open to anyone who needed it.  She helped raise her nieces and nephews from birth until the time of her passing. 

Yvonne was a part of the graduating class of 1977 at Oberon High School.  She graduated from Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Fort Totten ND in 2000.  She had many jobs that she enjoyed.  Some of her favorites that she talked about often were at Luis Café, the Head Start at the College, and Benson County Unemployment and Training, all in Fort Totten.

Yvonne’s favorite job was raising her family.  At the age of 22, she became a mother to her oldest son Jacob.  Three years later along came Matthew and two years later Kayla.  In 1990 she moved to Oberon with her babies and six years later surprised everyone with her last baby, Emily.  She raised her children all on her own and loved them more than life itself.  In 2010 she took in two of her nephews and fell in love with them, so much that one never left.  She loved and raised Saige as her own and he became her baby.  She was so excited when she became a grandma.  She loved and cherished all three of her grandsons.  All her children and grandsons were her pride and joy.  The two biggest things in life that she taught them was that your love for the Lord needs to be number one in your life and appreciate what God has given you. 

Yvonne is known for being a phenomenal cook and kind-hearted person.  She didn’t let anyone leave without making sure they had something to eat.  She was the strongest woman there was. Whether it was physically or emotionally, she could handle anything.  Integrity was one of the biggest characteristics about her.  She was loyal and honest and would tell you what was on her mind.  When her poor health started to take over, she still fought as much as she could for her family. 

Yvonne’s love for the Lord helped her be ready to go home.  She was ready to be with her Lord and Savior, her parents and sister again.  She loved each and every one of her family and we all love and miss her. 

Yvonne leaves behind her loving family, sons Jacob and Matthew (Penny) Friesen, Saige Thumb; daughters Kayla and Emily Thumb; grandsons Reid and Pierce Friesen, Alec Thumb; sisters Inez (Jerry) Green, Joyce Afeldt, Idell Thumb; brothers Wilbur (Delima) McKay, Darrell (Grace) Thumb, Gary Thumb, Edward (Nan) Thumb, Elvis (Phaedra) Thumb; brother-in-law Paul Stensland and many nieces and nephews. 

She is welcomed into Heaven by the Lord Jesus himself and all of her family who chose to repent and be saved by the blood of Jesus. 

Casket Bearers for Yvonne will be Jacob Friesen, Matthew Friesen, Saige Thumb, Monty Stensland, Jacen Deckert, Stacy Thumb, Gary Thumb Sr., Bailey Thumb, Levi Thumb, Danny Butts and Garrett Loftis. 

Funeral Services for Yvonne will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lighthouse Assembly of God Church in Fort Totten with Pastor Brandon Wegener officiating.  Burial will be in the Antelope Valley Cemetery, rural Oberon.  The procession to Fort Totten will leave on Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. from City Plaza, Devils Lake.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 8^th at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a time of prayer and remembrance at 7:00 p.m.