DeMaris left her life on earth after a courageous battle with cancer under the loving care of family, doctors and the staff of Hospice and Merit Care's Palliative Care Unit.

She was born Jun 25, 1924 in Parshall, N.D., a daughter of A.O. and Inga (Huus) Peterson. She was raised in Kenmare, ND, where she moved with her parents when they became owners of Peterson Chevrolet and Oldsmobile. She graduated from Kenmare High School in 1942 and continued her education at the University of North Dakota, where she received a degree in Education/Music. DeMaris was active in many music programs at both schools and while at UND, was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. She taught school in The Dalles, Oregon, Minot, ND and then returned to Kenmare in 1964 where she continued teaching school.

She also loved teaching Sunday School and Bible School at Nazareth Lutheran Church. She directed numerous musicals and sang in the church choir. Other groups she belonged to were her bridge club, the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Eastern Star, Samovar Club and her coffee group. DeMaris especially loved spending time with her family and was very proud of their accomplishments.

She married John Odland of Kenmare in 1983. After they retired from the auto business in 1985, they spent their winters traveling and in Arizona.

Survivors: husband, John Odland, Kenmare; son, Harry (Kathy) Halstead, Stanwood, WA.; daughter, Linda (Chris) Birmingham, Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Danna Joyner, Marysville, WA; Eric Halstead, Wenatchee, WA.; Paige Birmingham, Fargo, ND; Grant Birmingham, Fargo, ND; Melissa Thorson, Wenatchee, WA; Austin Langford, Seattle, WA; great grandson, Bradon Joyner, Marysville, WA; Brother, A.O. Jr. (Vera) Peterson, Bismarck, ND; sister -in-law, Helen (Lyle) Samson, Minot, ND; nephews, Gary (Carmon)Samson, Minot, Tom (Lynn) Samson, Bismarck, ND; Travis (Laurie) Zimmerman, Downers Grove, Ill.

Visitation: Thursday, May 24, 2007 from 2-7 p.m. at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home Kenmare, ND

Funeral Service: Friday, May 25, 2007, 11 a.m. at Nazareth Lutheran Church, Kenmare, ND.

Burial: Lakeview Cemetery, Kenmare, ND

Memorial are preferred to Hospice, the American Cancer Society, or the Palliative Care Unit at Meritcare Health Center, Fargo.

Officiant: Rev. Mike Fiske

Music: Congregational hymns "What Wonderous Love is This"
"Lift High the Cross"
Molly Hendrickson, vocalist to offer:
"In The Garden" and "Remember Me"
Joan Larson, organist

Honorary Bearers: DeMaris' family and friends

Active Bearers:
Jerry Meyer, Delmer Nelson, Allen Essler, John Larson,Gary Samson, Jim Jurgenson

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