Elizabeth Noraker

elizabeth noraker
Elizabeth Noraker, 92, Fargo, formerly of Westhope, ND, died Sunday, September 2, 2007 in Bethany Homes, Fargo. Elizabeth S. Martin was born at her parent?s farm south of Westhope, ND on November 18, 1914 to Samuel and Grace (Cade) Martin. Her growing up years were spent helping her mother where she gained her love of gardening and handwork as well as enjoying the outdoor activities with her brothers, Leonard, Maurice, and Donald. Part of her love of the outdoors included riding her horse, Steve. She was an avid reader and had a great sense of humor which helped her maintain balance in her life. She attended Brander School where, in her own words, she was a ?good, average, happy-go-lucky student who loved to participate in everything?. Following high school she wanted to become a dietician but times were hard and she was needed at home. That never stopped her from becoming an excellent cook who excelled at canning the produce from her lush garden and entertaining her friends and family with wonderful meals. Elizabeth worked at the drugstore in Maxbass for a short time. It was at this time that she met Oswald Noraker from Sheyenne ND at a Luther League meeting. He was teaching at the Brander School at the time. On June 2, 1939 they were married at the farm in a beautiful wedding. After a summer of helping on the farm, she and Ossie left for Wheelock, ND where he taught school. It was while they were living there that their first son, Eugene, was born in Williston. Due to the illness of her mother, they returned to the farm in 1945 to care for her. Ossie continued his teaching in the Newburg School and established his own farming operation. Their son, Duane, was born after they returned to the farm. Elizabeth was a devoted helpmate to Ossie and loving mother of her two active sons. In addition to cooking and canning the produce from her garden she also grew beautiful flowers, which she loved. As a baker, her flatbread was the best to be had anywhere. A great attention to detail was evident in her beautiful sewing and lovely handwork, which included cross-stitch and crocheting. Her family remembers her as being a ?lady? who always dressed with care, dignity and beauty. Her deep faith, dedication to family, and strong work ethic guided her through the years. As an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Westhope and Fargo, and the United Parish in Bottineau, she showed her leadership qualities in the women?s groups and as a Sunday School and Bible School teacher. She enjoyed being an active member and volunteer of the Hospital Auxiliary where many hours were spent with quilting and other sewing projects and helping with the coffee cart. Leisure activities included reading, playing games, and working with puzzles. Elizabeth also enjoyed music, Gilbert and Sullivan being a favorite, and was very proud of her musical sons, daughter-in-laws, and grandchildren. In 1977 Elizabeth and Ossie retired and moved to Bottineau where they were active in the church and community. Following the death of her husband in 1997, Elizabeth moved to Fargo where she lived until her death on September 2, 2007. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Oswald; one son, Eugene; her parents, Samuel and Grace Martin; and two brothers, Leonard and Maurice. She is survived by one brother, Don Martin, Fargo, ND; son, Duane (Gayle) Noraker, Fargo; daughter-in-law, Lois (Kim) Johnson, Anoka, MN; 7 grandchildren, Todd Johnson, Tana (Eric) Christenson, Troy (Kristin Johnson) Noraker, Daniel Noraker, Kamie (Justin) Strike, and Holly (Dominic) Hanson; 10 great grandchildren, Richie and Trina Johnson, Elizabeth and Gabriel Christenson, Alexis Noraker, Alexander Noraker, Kaylin and Audrey Strike, and Elijah and Isaac Hanson. Visitation: 1-2 p.m., Thursday, September 6, 2007, First Presbyterian Church, Fargo, ND Funeral: 2 p.m., Thursday, First Presbyterian Church, Fargo Burial: 2:30 p.m., Friday, September 7, 2007, Westhope Cemetery, Westhope, ND Arrangements entrusted to Boulger Funeral Home Online guestbook www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

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