DeLores Jean Ust

DeLores funeral is livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/2758432 DeLores Jean Holte was born at home on the farm at Voltaire, ND on July 14, 1921. She was the oldest child of Ruth (Chilson) and Melvin Holte. She had 2 brothers and 3 sisters. DeLores was baptized and confirmed at Hjerdal Lutheran Church, Voltaire, ND. She attended all 12 years of school at Bergen, ND. She was active with the school plays, chorus and played tenor sax in the band. DeLores attended one year at Minot Teachers College. Music was an important part of the family activities. Her dad had his own family band which included DeLores and her two brothers. She played the piano. The family (Holtes) played for dances, church and school functions, PTA meetings and they even entered an amateur contest, for which they won first prize. Her father took them to many musical functions so they would be exposed to all kinds of music. Mom tells many stories about walking to her grandfather's farm and an uncle's farm that were just a short distance from home. She has many fond memories of doing that. In the winter they would skate in the frozen ditches to get there. On December 3, 1940, DeLores married Alfred Ust in Minot, ND. They lived on the Ust family farm at Clifford, ND. They continued to live there during which time their 8 children were born. They were members of Perry Lutheran Church, rural Portland, ND. She was active in Ladies Aid, Homemakers and Sunday school. Mom was kept busy cooking for the threshers and washing their clothes. There would usually be at least four threshers per season. She always had a large garden so there was a lot of canning being done. There were six family members to cook, clean and do laundry for before the last kids came along. Mother did a lot of sewing for all of us. She taught three of her daughters to sew and cook. In 1960, the Ust's moved into their new home in Portland, ND. Then in 1963 they moved to rural Wimbledon, ND. While there, they were members of Eidfjord Lutheran Church, rural Walum. They farmed there until retiring in 1976 to their new home in Valley City. While living in Valley City they spent several winters in Arizona. They were always on the go -visiting friends and family that were wintering there too. Mom continued to enjoy her music, playing her organ or listening to her cds or records. It was always fun to have her sit down to play for us. She played by ear - so if you knew the tune - she could play it. She played a few times with "Whoever can come band" They enjoyed having musicians come to play in their backyard. Mom also did some volunteering at the Barnes County Museum for a brief time. Alfred entered the Care Center October, 2002 and passed away March, 2003. Mom was an everyday visitor. She was proud of her Norwegian Heritage and culture. On several occasions Dad and Mom provided bed and breakfast to musicians from Norway who performed in the Valley City area. Mom was a life member of the Sons of Norway. Coffee and fresh baked goodies were always available if you stopped by for a visit. She loved company and a chance to visit. She enjoyed her yard and her flowers. They hosted a young man from Norway in a farming exchange program. Some evenings their house was buzzing with friends and neighbors, 12 in all playing Hand and Foot card game. Good thing they had a large dining table. She was a member of Perry Lutheran Church, rural Portland, and an associate member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church. She was a circle member and active with the quilters into her"90s". she loved getting together with those fun gals. Mom moved into Bridgeview December 6, 2014. She loved her new home, and grew to love the staff as well. She always had a smile for you. They called her a social butterfly. Their dining table would be full of laughter. She was extra happy when her sister Lois moved in the apartment above hers. Lots of reminiscing. October, 2019 mom had to move to Sheyenne Care Center due to health reason. She grew to love her new home and staff there too. ‘Then COVID hit.’ We'd like to thank the staffs at Bridgeview and SMP Health - St. Raphael for the love and care they gave to our Mother. DeLores is survived by daughters Judy Koppang, Wahpeton; Janice (Tom) Brown, Grants Pass, OR; Susan (Brian) Hoyt, Portland; son Harold (Jean) Ust, Portland, ND; 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 15 great great grandchildren; sisters Lois Irwin, Valley City; Audrey (Howard) Lahlum, Marion; several nieces, nephews and cousins DeLores was preceded in death by Alfred, her parents, sons Paul, Warren, daughters Marilyn and Kathryn, Grandson Ryan Brown, son in-law Myron Koppang, brothers Richard Holte, Harold Holte, sister Marjorie Larson, brothers in-law Dale Irwin, Verlund Larson, sisters in-law Betty Holte, Virgil Holte, Dorothy Holte. DeLores died on January 2, 2023 at SMP Health - St. Raphael. Memorials may be designated to the Barnes County Museum, Hospice of the Red River Valley, Our Savior’s Foundation or Perry Lutheran Church. The funeral service will be 2 pm Tuesday, January 10, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Valley City. Visitation will be noon until the time of the service. Burial will be in the spring at Perry Cemetery, rural Portland, North Dakota. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City. An online guestbook is available at www.olivernathanchapel.com

DeLores Jean Ust

July 14, 1921 - January 2, 2023