Irma L. McDonald • 1914 - 2009

Irma L. McDonald, 94, Minot, formerly of Deering, ND, died Friday, July 24, 2009 in a Minot nursing home.

Irma Leona Grilley was born on August 6, 1914, a daughter of Irving E. and Manda (Severson) Grilley in rural Deering, ND. She attended Grilley Consolidated school, which was a four- room school house, through her junior year and graduated from Glenburn High School in 1932. She remained at home following graduation, cooking for threshing crews. She also worked for area farmers.

On November 19, 1940, Irma was united in marriage to John McDonald in Mohall, ND. They lived and farmed in Grilley Township, McHenry County, one mile from her parent's homestead. John retired from active farming in 1975, but they continued to live on the farm. John passed away July 11, 1983. Irma remained on the farm until 2000, when she moved to Edgewood Vista in Minot.

Irma was active in the community, serving as a member of the Grilley School board for 26 years. Her affinity for numbers made her a great treasurer on that board. She was also active at the St. Philomena's Catholic Church. In her younger years, Irma sang on a radio show and for many weddings and funerals. She enjoyed attending barn dances and playing card games, even though her mother did not approve. Her flowers bloomed long before and after the summer season. Irma always persevered over her health problems to live long and happily.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be missed by all that knew her.

Those who shared in her life:
Daughter Margaret "Peggy" (Paul) Christianson, Glenburn, Bill (Carol) McDonald, Deering, ND and Robert "Bob" McDonald, Minot; Nine grandchildren: Steven (Jennifer) McDonald, Chris (Seth) Peter, Pam McDonald, Janel (Butch) Conrad, Kate McDonald, Mike (Sue) Christianson, Nancy (Tim) Fisher, Dean (Jean) Johnson, Eric (Roni) Christianson; Fourteen great-grandchildren: Cooper, Brynn and Quinn McDonald, Eli and Oscar Peter, Sean and Mark Conrad, Morgan and Sam Christianson, Jenna and Leah Fisher, Grace and Olivia Johnson and Taylor Christianson; sister-in-law: Ina McDonald, Minot; Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Irma was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Hollis (Lorraine) Grilley, in-laws Lester (Ruth) McDonald, Alice (Orville) Brust, Kiarian Dooley and Leo McDonald.

Visitation: Thursday, July 30, 2009 from noon until 7 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Vigil Prayer Service: Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 7 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home Chapel, Minot

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, July 31, 2009 at 10:30 am at St. Philomena's Catholic Church, Glenburn

Burial: Friday at 1:00 pm at St. Olaf's Cemetery, Glenburn, ND.

Celebrant of the Liturgies: Father John Paul Gardner

Music
Opening hymn "Amazing Grace"
Offertory "Silent Night"
Communion "Ave Maria"
Commendation "Song Of Farewell"
Closing Hymn "On Eagles Wings"
Donanne Derr and Jeanna Grilley, musicians

Honorary Bearers: Irma's family and friends

Active Bearers: Steve McDonald, Eric Christianson,Tim Fischer, Mike Christianson, Seth Peter, Dean Johnson

Immediately following the funeral service there will be lunch and fellowship in the fellowship hall of the church.


The McDonald family would like to thank everyone for the many acts of kindness shown to them during this difficult time. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. May God bless the memory of Irma.

To sign the online guest register for Irma
To view the online guest register for Irma

To view the inside of Irma's folder
To view the outside of Irma's folder

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