Obituary: Elsie DeLorme

Elsie DeLorme, a lifelong Williston, N.D., resident, was peacefully called home to the Lord Sept. 18, 2010. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 at the Faith United Methodist Church. Elsie was born on July 12, 1924 to Frank and Alice (Rose) Markham in Hanks, N.D. As a young girl, the family moved to Williston. Elsie attended school in Williston, graduating from Williston High School with the Class of 1942. Upon graduation, she continued her education at Minot State Teachers College. She then accepted employment with the Williston Public School System and began her teaching career at Central School.

Following the end of World War II, and the return of her high school sweetheart, Gene and Elsie were married on Aug. 4, 1947. Elsie often reminisced about her first job at the soda fountain in the Cutting Drug Store. She loved spending time with her family at their Paradise Point lake home. Elsie loved the outdoors and dreaded winter. Spring would find her eagerly anticipating family camping, fishing, boating and golf adventures. In the early years many family memories were made traveling across the country in the scamper travel trailer. Elsie and Gene enjoyed traveling and spoke often of their trip to Europe with the Williston High School Band. Family and friends were always welcome in their home.

She was instrumental in the family endeavor with cotton candy on Band Day, donating proceeds to local charities. Elsie was a partner in the family business, DeLorme Electric and she and Gene built and sold many local homes. Elsie was involved in many local organizations including Jaycees, State Line Square Dancers, Bridge Club, American Legion Auxiliary and the Rebecca's. She was one of the first members of Williston Concert Association. Elsie's faith was part of her daily life, she attended Faith United Methodist church. Music was a big part of her life and brought her much enjoyment and comfort. Often times, you could find her at the family piano singing from the hymnal and playing along on the piano.

Elsie was a proud grandmother, happiest when attending the sporting, music and school events of her grandchildren. Because of her love of family time, many Nevada evenings were spent reading with Nevin.

Elsie was the proud mother of three children, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren: Ann (Marshall) Holmen, and children Rachel (Rich), rural Buxton, N.D., and Matthew, Williston; Greg (Kim) and children, Jason (Sarah) of Williston, Alecia of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Scott and Michael of Minot, N.D.; and Mary Jean (Doug Elliott) and son Nevin, all of Carson City.

Great-grandchildren include Rachel (Rich's family) Shelby, Sydney and Collin, Matt's son Shannon, and Jason (Sarah)'s sons Kallon & Brennan. Elsie is also survived by nephews Jim and Robert Kloski of Racine, Wisc.

With Elsie's declining health, she moved to Nevada to live with Mary Jean, Doug and Nevin. In her golden years she was provided love, companionship, and care by her family.

Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, parents, Frank and Rose Markham and great-granddaughter Alexandria Holmen.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Alzheimer's Care, Breast Cancer Research, or Prairie Public Broadcasting.