Adelia McKelvey, 96, of Warwick, ND, died of cancer in her home on November 10, 2011, with her family quietly by her side.

Thea Adelia Mary Kolstad was born October 17, 1915, the daughter of John and Dulcie Kolstad, she spent her entire life in Hillsdale Township near Warwick, ND. In 1933, she married John McKelvey and they were the parents of four children. Adelia and John lived and farmed in Hillsdale Township until John’s death in February of 1981.

Adelia was the oldest member in the Warwick community as well as the oldest member of the Warwick Lutheran Church, where she was baptized and confirmed. She still lived alone near her son on the “home place� and cared for herself and her yard with little outside help. She loved her flowers and was delighted to show everyone the lovely flowerbeds surrounding her home. She enjoyed going for rides and brought memories alive of people who “used to� live by that tree or over that hill. Many years ago, they pushed aside the furniture and invited neighboring farmers and wives to enjoy square dancing in their living room. She enjoyed playing whist as well. In later years, going rummaging with granddaughter, Melanie Denise, always gave her something to look forward to and brought a smile to her face. She was an avid collector of recipes and clipped many meaningful sayings pertaining to her philosophy of lfie from magazines and newspapers. She especially enjoyed visits with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and sharing with them tales of the “good old days�. Her cat, “Nuisance� was a constant companion under her feet whenever she was outdoors. The family gives a special tribute to Mike and Melanie Carter for all their help and companionship, especially in the last 4 months of her life and to Hospice for their tender care and encouraging words. Her family will always appreciate her memory as “A woman of quiet strength, dignity and love.�

She is survived by 3 children; Audrey (Arnold) Gjestvang, Bismarck, ND, Dayton (Kay) McKelvey, Devils Lake, ND, Johnnie “Bud� (Nita) McKelvey, on the homestead, Warwick, ND; a daughter-in-law, Ruth McKelvey; sister-in-law, Delores Kolstad; 15 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Adelia was preceded in death by her husband, one son, Harlen McKelvey; 2 grandchildren, Chet and Terri Ann McKelvey; her parents; and one brother, Gordon Kolstad.

 

FUNERAL SERVICE: Warwick Lutheran Church, Warwick ND

DATE AND TIME: Monday, November 14, 2011 at 11:00AM

BURIAL: Warwick Cemetery