Beatrice Severson

December 28, 1912 - August 12, 2009

Beatrice T. Berg was born on December 28, 1912 on a farm in Northland Township, Ransom County, ND. She was the daughter of Theodore and Christine (Petterson) Berg. Bea was baptized and confirmed at Fort Ransom Standing Rock Church. She graduated from the eighth grade with honors at Bear Creek School #1 and later attended Kathryn High School. Bea completed a one year course at Valley City State Teacher’s College and started teaching at Guyson, ND in Logan County. She taught in various schools throughout her teaching career, including, Valley City State College affiliated school, Dazey school, Kathryn school, and Lisbon school. In 1941, Bea married Wesley Severson at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kathryn, ND. The couple moved to Lisbon where she continued teaching. She was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Valley City, ND; ALCW, WELCA, Circle; and was also a past Matron of the Eastern Star. Bea graduated from Bethel Bible Class after attending classes for fifteen years. She was active in community work, serving on drives, election boards, and being a member of Committee Women for nine years in Republican District 59. She was a member of Concordia C-400 and of the Valley City State University V-500. Bea held memberships in El Zagel Shrine Auxiliary, Sheyenne and Maple River Shrine Auxiliary, National AARP, and the Elks National Heart Foundation. Bea served as Rainbow Mother for Eastern Star and received the Grand Cross of Color Award for this service. Beatrice is survived by her daughter, Constance (John L.) Clodfelter of Richmond, IN, and two granddaughters, Elizabeth Clodfelter and Jill (Colin Mason) Clodfelter-Mason. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; six sisters, and three brothers.