Nora Slagle
Nora Slagle, of Williston, N.D., formerly of Alexander, N.D., died at home on Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, with her family at her side. Her funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2010, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Williston. Pastor Sue Seiffert and Rev. Mark Bekkedahl officiated, and interment took place in the family lot at Hillside Memory Gardens in Williston.
Nora Louise Bawden was born Nov. 19, 1923, to William and Maggie Bawden, on the family farm, which was located 25 miles southeast of Wolf Point, Mont., in Nickwall Township. Nora was the first granddaughter on the Bawden side for many generations. She was named after her paternal grandmother. She had three older brothers: Dale, Vic, and Billy, and one younger sister, Betty.
Nora was raised on the family farm, where she attended country school through the eighth grade. She graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1942. At Nora’s 16th birthday, she met the love of her life, Jerry Slagle. When World War II began, Nora went to work at J.C. Penney, and Jerry went off to war. When he came home, he stopped by to see Nora. The sailor that served in the war again won her heart.
Nora and Jerry were married on Sept. 5, 1946, in Wolf Point. They moved to the Slagle family farm, which they eventually bought out from Jerry’s parents. They raised four children: Sherry, Rich, Les, and Rini. Jerry and Nora were actively involved in their children’s education and lives, 4-H, community activities, and The Kings and Queens Card Club.
After Jerry passed away in 1988, Nora continued to live on the family farm, later spending her winters in Williston. She started volunteering at Mercy Hospital and continued to volunteer for over twenty years, serving over 4,700 hours. Nora was the honored guest at the 2001 Old Settlers’ Day in Alexander. She moved permanently to Williston in 2004, and began living at the Briarwood, where she met many dear friends who became her extended family.
Those who knew Nora would know that she loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, watching their activities and making them treats. She was a fabulous cook, canner, and baker, whose specialty was homemade peach cobbler. Nora’s favorite saying was, “You have to eat more, because I made it just for you.” She was generous with her time, her love, and herself. Nora was a great friend, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who will be dearly missed for her wonderful sense of humor, compassion, common sense, and unconditional love and support.
Nora is survived by her four children: Sherry (Jerome) Lervick of Arnegard, N.D.; Rich (Penny) Slagle and Les (Barb) Slagle, all of Williston, N.D.; and Rini (Steve) Coffin of Minot, N.D.; ten grandchildren: Hal Iverson, Bozeman, Mont.; Mike Iverson, Alexander; Brenna (Don) Neumann, Killdeer, N.D.; Suzie (Terrence) Rivers, and Teresa Slagle, all of Maple Grove, Minn.; Lacey (Jeremy) Hendrickson, Jordan Slagle, and Tucker Slagle, all of Williston; and Ashley Coffin and Stacey Coffin, both of Minot, N.D.; seven great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life: Brynn, Ava, and Luke Neumann; Mikhala and Teagan Rivers; Paiten Iverson; and Taeson Hendrickson. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, June Slagle, of Williston, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Nora was preceded in death by Jerry, her husband of 42 years; her parents; and all of her siblings.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Mercy Volunteer Program or Mercy Hospice.