Verla Belle Ukestad

On October 9, 2008 Verla Belle Ukestad, 89, of Mayville, ND, finished her journey on earth and entered her heavenly home. She was a resident at Luther Memorial Home in Mayville. Verla was born on May 23, 1919 to Harley and Meda (Wittig) McLain in Jamestown, ND. She attended elementary and high school in Eckelson, ND. The Congregational Church in Eckelson was where she was baptized, confirmed and attended Sunday school. She attended Business College at Jamestown, ND. Following completion of her schooling she worked at the Court House in Valley City, ND. She married Cliff Ukestad of Sanborn, ND on July 16, 1941. They lived in Chicago, IL and Eckelson until they settled in Mayville. Their first child Sandy was born in Chicago, and their second child, Bob was born in Jamestown. During her years at Mayville, she worked at Mayville State Teachers College in the business office. Later she worked at the Mayville Clinic in the bookkeeping department. She retired from the Clinic when she was 73 years old. She moved into assisted living at the Luther Memorial Home in 1997, and later into the home. She was active in the Congregational Church where she was Sunday school superintendent for years and active in the Ladies Aid and choir. She enjoyed life most when she was able to serve and help others. She will be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend to the community. Verla is survived by her daughter, Sandy (Clint) Lein of Larimore, ND; son, Bob (Royanne) Ukestad of San Martin, CA; six grandchildren, Tami (Kevin) Welk of Fishers, IN, Bob (Sara) Lein of Woodbury, MN, Stacy (Jake) Murphy of Eagan, MN, Brian, Jonathan, and Travis Ukestad from the Bay area in CA; five great-grandchildren, Megan and Jillian Welk, Breelynn Lein, and Maggie and Kelton Murphy; two brothers, Harley “Curley” (Joy) McLain of Hatton, and Bud McLain of Livingston, MT; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Cliff, her parents, her baby brother Lloyd, and two sisters-in-law. A Memorial Service Celebration of Verla’s life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 10:30 AM at the Luther Memorial Home Chapel in Mayville.