Obituary: Lois Wescom

Lois (Hjelseth) Wescom, 98, peacefully passed away at her home on Thursday, June 10, 2021.

Graveside burial service was held Tuesday, June 15 at the Kvernes Lutheran Cemetery, rural Carrington. Pastor Rick Loewen officiated the service. Casket bearers were all of Lois's grandchildren.

Lois Graham was born Oct. 19, 1922 in Foster County. She was the daughter of William and Lottie (Gilbertson) Graham. Lois grew up on a farm near Grace City, N.D., and attended Grace City school for her elementary and high school education. She graduated high school in 1940, and she attended Mayville State Teachers College in 1940-41. She taught in rural schools in Foster and Eddy County for three years.

On Oct. 19, 1944, she was united in marriage to Eilert Hjelseth. They farmed in the Nordmore township until Eilert's death in 1979.

In 1966, she became manager of a Montgomery Ward catalog store in Carrington. In 1967, she began working at Carrington Health Center in the medical records department and continued working there until her retirement in October 1987.

She was a member of the Kvernes Lutheran Church and over the years served as Sunday School teacher, choir director and part time organist. After moving into Carrington following Eilert's death, she transferred her membership to Trinity Lutheran Church. In 1993, she married Delbert Wescom, and they spent several winters in Florence, Ariz. Delbert passed away in 2012.

She is survived by her four children, Joy (Rod) Cellmer, Plainville, Kan.; Lynn Hjelseth, Carrington, N.D.; Jeffrey (Jean) Hjelseth, Case Grande, Ariz., and Joel (Debbie) Hjelseth, Chattanooga, Tenn.; two stepdaughters, Carol (Lloyd) Winjiue, Jamestown, N.D. and Beverly Ruetter, Pingree, N.D.; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands Eilert and Delbert; two brothers, Wallace and Arthur Graha; and one sister Gladys Anderson.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home of Carrington, N.D.