Josephine Stavens

Josephine Stavens, 102, of Hatton, ND, passed away Friday, January 2, 2015 at Hatton Prairie Village in Hatton. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 2:00pm at the Hatton Prairie Village Chapel in Hatton. A visitation will be held from 12:00pm until the time of the service.

Josephine Oline Thirud was born on October 19, 1912, to Oscar and Turi (Aasen) Thirud on a homestead in McKenzie, North Dakota. She was baptized into the Christian Faith in a one room school house in McKenzie County. In 1926, she confirmed her faith at Goose River Lutheran Church, rural Hatton, North Dakota by Pastor A. J. Eikeland.


On December 29, 1923, at the age of 11, her mother, Turi Thirud, passed away. Josephine worked for a few years for room and board at the Henry Haga and Nordbo homes. She then worked 10 ½ years at the Andrew Stavens' farm. After falling in love with Andrew's nephew, Ernest, Josephine married Ernest T. Stavens on October 8, 1939 at Little Forks Lutheran Church, rural Hatton. As newlyweds they moved to California where they were employed for three (3) years; Ernest as a butler/gardener and Josephine as a housekeeper/cook.


On July 17, 1940, they lost their first daughter, Josephine Elaine, within 24 hours of her birth.


In 1942, they returned to North Dakota to purchase and farm the John Mark Farm, where their three children were born; James Edward, Philip Charles and Nancy Elaine. Philip died on January 2, 1952, at the age of 6 ½. They remained on the farm until Jim and Nancy were grown, married and moved away.


Upon selling the farm in 1972, Ernie and Jo moved to Hatton where they remodeled a house and lived happily until Ernest's death on December 29, 1979. In 1980, at the age of 67, Josephine began working at the Tri-County Nursing Home, where she worked for 10 years. Josephine lived in the house until she moved to the assisted living apartments where she resided for 11 years. At the age of 98, she decided she was old enough to move to the nursing home, where she resided the past four (4) years.


Josephine was active in the Newburgh Township, Homemakers Club, Goose River Church, 4-H Leader, Ladies Aid, Ladies Circle and Bible Study. Josephine was always willing to help friends, family, and her community.


Josephine is survived by her children: James (Diane) Stavens of Aledo, TX and daughter Nancy (Paul) Linnell of Scobey, MT, and 12 Grandchildren: Philip (Michelle) Stavens, JoDee (Mark) Peterson, Matthew Linnell, Paula (Shaun) Kobielusz. 12 Great Grandchildren: Emily (Jordan) Colletti, Audrey Evans, Jacob Evans, Parker Stavens, Pierce Stavens, Mia Stavens, Stella Mae Stavens, Elaina (Matthew) Tieszen, Emma Peterson, Mason Peterson, Abigail Kobielusz , and Lillian Kobielusz. One great, great Grandson: Connor Colletti. Also 3 nephews: Gary Boe, Dennis Thirud and Tommy Keifer. 3 Grand Nieces: Michelle Boe Hogan, Suzanne Boe, and Jackie Schmidt. One outstanding brother-in-law: Art Stavens and his children; Sharlene Kalina, Marlow Stavens, Lorna Brager and Mark Stavens. And her special friend: Lillian Enger.


Josephine is preceded in death by her parents Oscar and Turi (Aasen) Thirud, husband Ernest Stavens, daughter Josephine Elaine, son Philip Charles, granddaughter Jami Stavens Evans and her daughter Mallory Anne Evans, Five siblings; Ingeborg Thirud, Olaf Thirud, Mathilda Messimer, Hulda Keifer, and Elma Boe.


Josephine's wishes were for any memorials to be given to the Goose River Cemetery Fund or the Hatton Prairie Village.