Avis M. Anderson, 70, of Leeds, ND,  died Saturday, February 26, 2011, at the Good Samaritan Center in Devils Lake, surrounded by her family and cradled in God's loving arms.  Funeral services will be Thursday, March 3rd, 2011, at 2:00 PM at Leeds Lutheran Church with Pastor Richard Budd officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery later in the spring.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 7pm with a 6:00 PM prayer service at the Nelson Funeral Home in Leeds.  Casket bearers will be:  Arlen Anderson,  David Anderson,  Rick Knoke,  Paul Stave,  Steve Jorgenson,  Lorin Haagenson,  John Conway and Jim Kleinsasser.  Music will be from Kara Mitzel,  soloist with Dan Nybo, organist.

Avis Marie Conway was born August 13th, 1940 near Leeds, ND,  to John, Sr. and Sophia (Oeffner) Conway. Avis attended Leeds Public School and graduated in 1958.  She married Sanfrid Anderson on October 25th, 1958 at the Leeds Lutheran Church.  The couple lived and farmed west of Leeds.  Avis worked for a time as the secretary at the Leeds School. Following her employment at the school, she dedicated herself to raising her family.

Avis worked by her husband's side, helping with the cattle and family farm.  From 1981 until her retirement, she was employed as a Home Health Aid for the Benson County Social Services.  Avis also worked a short time at The Connection at Rugby, ND.  Her family was most important to her.  Avis enjoyed her children's activities while they were growing up and especially loved babysitting her grandchildren.

Avis was a confirmed member of Leeds Lutheran Church and its WELCA.  She enjoyed coin collecting, crocheting, reading and taught herself the computer.  She especially enjoyed playing solitaire on the computer.  Avis deeply cared and had compassion for the many persons she assisted during her employment with Benson County Social Services.  This was returned to her by the loving care she received at the Good Samaritan Center, where she had resided since September 2010.  Devotion and faith in the Lord made her the person she was and gave her strength on her journey to everlasting life.

Surviving is her husband:  Sanfrid of Leeds;  sons:  Arlen of Devils Lake and David of Rugby;  a daughter and son-in-law:  Sandra and Rick Knoke of Edmore, ND;  grandchildren:  Wyatt,  Madison and Cassidy Knoke;  a brother and sister-in-law:  John, Jr. and Marilyn Conway of Leeds; a sister-in-law:  Linnea Anderson of East Grand Forks, MN; a number of nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death:  parents;  a son: Alan in 2001;  sisters:  Irene Poehls,  Doris Follman and Ardys Kleinsasser.

Condolences:

Prayers Go out Sanfrid, Arlen, David, Sandra & Family. You Are in Our Prayers.     Bob & Tanner

Avis's family: None of you know me, but I am a distant cousin to Avis. My Mom, Geraldine Doyle (Offner) was a first cousin and always spoke well of Avis. Her father, Herman (my great-grandfather) was Sophie's brother. I want to express my deepest sympathy from myself and my Mom Gerry, who is in a nursing center now and felt so bad to hear the news also. God bless you all and may the many wonderful memories of Avis help you through this difficult time and in the years to come.    Distant cousin....Dee Olson

Arlen, please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.  May God comfort you all.   A fellow DLPS employee and family - Janine, Merlin and Bradley Pfeifer

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I only knew Avis for a short time at the Good Samaritian Center, but I truly enjoyed Avis and it was privilige to take care of such a gentle beatiful women.  Farrah Trottier RN

I was so sorry to hear of Avis's problems and death.  I was in her class and graduated with her from Leeds High School.  I always thought she was a very special person and looked forward to visiting with her at reunions.  I will miss her this coming summer at reunion time.    Elsie Eide Elverud