Maria Sather, age 75, of Gary, MN, died Tuesday, August 11, 2015, in Sanford Health, Fargo, ND, as a result of complications from emergency surgery.

Maria Olivia Sirjord, the daughter of Olaf and Marie (Ystenes) Sirjord, was born on June 21, 1940, at home near Gary, MN. She was raised near Gary and attended school there. Following her high school graduation with the class of 1958, Maria worked for a year in Fargo as a nurse's assistant. Maria married her high school sweetheart, Arvid Sather, on August 1, 1959, at Faaberg Lutheran Church. The couple made their home east of Gary where Arvid farmed and Maria lovingly raised their four boys. Maria and Arvid loved to travel and spent 15 years wintering in Arizona and Nevada. After over 50 years of marriage, Arvid passed away in August of 2012. Maria continued to make her home on the farm and treasured the company of her family and friends.

Maria spent many hours working with her flowers and always had beautiful gardens. She also loved to bake, quilt, and play cards. Maria was a member of Ness Lutheran Church where she was very active in all aspects of her church life. Being the caring person she was, Maria always took the time to stop and visit to catch up with what was going on in your life. Above all, Maria cherished her family and each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She never missed a sporting event and supported each of her grandchildren's interests. She also enjoyed going to area casinos with her friends and traveling with family. Her soft smile and tender hugs will always be remembered.

Maria is survived by her sons: Michael (Laurie) of Gary and their children: Jeremy (Lindsey) and children, Claire, Heath, and Malynn, Jeanna (Charlie), Krysta (Joe), Joshua, Jaycke, Kassey and Jase; Joel (Julie) of Gary and their children: Andrew (Britta) and their son, Emmett, Alexander (Kayla), Anthony and Madelyn; Nathan (Bridget) of Gary and their children: Dylan, Jonah, Steffen, and Lauren; and Ben (Lynae) of Fertile and their children, Maren and Caleb; one brother, John (Kathy) Sirjord of Amery, WI; three sisters: Marion Pederson of Mahnomen, Bernice Sundet of Twin Valley, Wanda (Arnie) Benson of Ankeny, IA; sisters-in-law, Waetta Martinson of Mahnomen and Pearlie (Robert) Pazdernik of Hillman, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arvid; her parents, Olaf and Marie; one brother and sister-in-law, Omar and Pauline; and three brothers-in-law: Duane Martinson, John Sundet and Palmer Pederson.


Funeral Services were held Monday, August 17, 2015, at 10:30 AM in Ness Lutheran Church, rural Gary, MN. Visitation was Sunday, August 16, 2015, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at Ness Lutheran Church. Visitation was also be one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Officiating was Pastor Kelly Ahola with Karen Carlsrud serving as organist and Alden Anderson serving as vocalist. Pallbearers were all of her grandchildren: Jeremy, Joshua, Jaycke, Jase, Andrew, Alex, Anthony, Dylan, Jonah, Steffen, Caleb, Jeanna, Krysta, Kassey, Madelyn, Lauren, and Maren.

Interment was in Ness Lutheran Cemetery, rural Gary.