Obituary for Mary Ellen Houle Rolfes

Mary E. Rolfes, 66, of Moorhead, MN, formerly of Grand Forks, ND, died Sunday May 12, 2013, in her home.

Mary Ellen Houle was born on November 28, 1946, the daughter of Louis and Beatrice (Bercier) Houle in Grand Forks. She grew up in Grand Forks where she attended St. James High School. Mary continued her education at Aakers Business College in Grand Forks and graduated in 1979. After graduating, Mary went on to work for Geico Insurance in Grand Forks. Mary continued to do administrative work later in her life and contributed to her community by doing volunteer work at St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Native American Center and the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. Mary was also a proud member of the Native American tribe, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in Belcourt, ND.
 
In 1965, Mary married Arthur Rolfes and became the proud mother of three children; two boys and a girl. The married couple lived in Germany for a short period of time before finally settling in Oklahoma City, OK. Eventually, Mary found her way back to North Dakota and in 1985; she and Jeff Thornton welcomed Lindsay Erin.

Mary’s love and adoration for both her children and grandchildren was immeasurable. She cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and would take walks with them, telling them funny stories and teaching them about their surroundings. Mary also recently became a great-grandmother. Mary enjoyed walking and that was often how she got around. When visiting her, one could always expect a clean house and a hot cup of coffee waiting for them. One of Mary’s favorite artists to listen to was Alan Jackson, whom she always referred to as her boyfriend. Mary also had a passion for books and reading. Mary had a hard life and always did the best she could.

Mary is survived by her sons, Todd Rolfes and Troy (Vicci) Rolfes, Oklahoma City, OK; daughters, Tina (Richard) Dalton, Minneapolis, MN, Lindsay Thornton, Lethbridge, Alberta; grandchildren, Kandice Tarpley, Oklahoma City, Amber Rolfes, Odenton, MD, Joseph Fancher, Indianapolis, IN, Trevor and Jordan Cespedes, Emma Dalton, Minneapolis, MN, and Natalie Rolfes, Oklahoma City; great-granddaughter, Kamrynn, Oklahoma City. She is also survived by her sisters, Louise (Curt) Riveland, Fargo, ND, and Ollie Mountain, Grand Forks; and a brother, Joe (Sandy) Houle, Chicago, IL. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ed, Ray, Ron; sisters, Polly, Jeanette and Nancy-Ann.
Family Greeting: One hour before the service.

Memorial Service: Friday, May 17, 2013, at 2:30 PM in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead, MN.

 Source:  http://www.korsmofuneralservice.com/obituaries/MaryEllen-Rolfes-1979/#!/Obituary