Ivy Ailport, age 74, of Ogema, MN, died Monday, July 9, 2012 at her home under the care of Hospice Care of the Red River Valley.

Ivy Jean Norcross, the daughter of George and Josephine (Lighting) Norcross was born on March 7, 1938 in White Earth, MN. She grew up in the Pine Point, MN, area and attended school there. As a young woman, Ivy was united in marriage to Norman Jacobson and they were blessed with a daughter, Norma. In 1958, she married John Warren Jr., and shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to California. Together, Ivy and John had five children: Dale, Mark, Pam, Daniel and Kristi. In the 1960's they moved to Walker, MN, and Ivy worked for a tree service. She also worked at the sewing factory in Park Rapids, MN, for several years while raising her children. From 1968 until 1975, Ivy lived in Pine Ridge, SD. While working at the Pine Ridge Hospital, Ivy developed a passion for healthcare and pursued a career in nursing. She moved to Rochester, MN, and while working at Mayo Clinic, she acquired her nursing degree. During this time, Ivy was united in marriage to Russell Bybee. In 1981, Ivy relocated to Minneapolis, MN, and married Stan Worth. She and Stan drove truck over the road all across the United States. Ivy then moved back to White Earth, MN. On June 9, 1988, she married Harry Ailport and they made their home on Net Lake, rural Ogema. Together, Ivy and Harry adopted Jena to complete their family. Following Harry's death in 2008, Ivy continued to live in the home they had made together on the lake. She was most recently employed with the DOVE program and the White Earth Women's Shelter.

Ivy was a very creative and talented seamstress. Over the years, she had made many of the grandchildren's traditional regalia. She was known for her beadwork and Ojibwe crafts. Ivy loved to entertain family, especially during the holidays. Her cooking and special treats will be remembered by many. She cherished the time she was able to spend with family camping and attending pow-wow's. Over the years, she opened her home to over 70 foster children. Ivy was a strong and energetic woman and in her life family always came first.

Ivy is survived by two daughters, Norma Jacobson of Mahnomen, MN, and Jena Ailport of Ogema; four sons: Dale (Becky) Warren of Ogema, Mark (Lisa) Warren of Ogema, Daniel (Felica) Warren of Park Rapids, MN, and Nick (Danielle Sauke) Crosby of Mahnomen; 19 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Josephine; her husband, Harry; two daughters, Pamela Warren and Kristi Morley; a granddaughter, Amber Crosby; and three great- grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 13, 2012 at St. Benedict's Catholic Church, White Earth, MN. Service was officiated by Fr. Walter Butor, OMI and special music was provided by Bruce Engebretson. Serving as pallbearers were her grandsons: Jimmy, Ant, Sean, Diesel, Moon, Nick, Dale, Michael, Erik, and Will. Honorary bearers were Toni, Cleo, Becky, Norma Jean, Kibby S., Marie, and Pumpkins Hanks. An all night visitation was at the White Earth Community Center beginning at 6:00pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012, with a service at 6:30. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery, White Earth, MN.