Marjorie Sonsalla

A funeral Mass for Marjorie Sonsalla, 93, of Marmarth, ND will be 12:30 p. m. , Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marmarth with Father David Morman celebrating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Visitation for Marjorie will be from 5:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. at Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker, with a rosary and vigil service being held at 7:00 p. m. Marjorie passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at her home in Marmarth. Marjorie Ann (Johnston) Sonsalla was born September 13, 1921 in her grandfather’s house in Beach, North Dakota. She rode horseback to attend country schools south of Wibaux for eight years. Her family later moved to Wibaux where she graduated from high school in 1939. She then attended Dickinson State College, where she obtained a teaching certificate. She taught in country schools in the Beach, Wibaux and Golva area. She spent several summers visiting relatives in California. She came to Marmarth on the train in 1944 to teach 5th and 6th grade. She met her future husband, Andrew, at a school carnival in Marmarth. Their dates consisted of riding horseback in the Badlands and going to movies in Baker. They were married June 3, 1946 in Wibaux. They moved to the family homestead where they lived for four years. Their first two children, Mike and Mary Pat were born during that time. Molly, Donnie and Rosalie were born after they moved to their current ranch home near Marmarth. They continued to live there until they were called home to the Lord. Marjorie was an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher for many years, influencing the lives of numerous students. She involved her students in YCL, math meets and spelling bees. She retired from teaching in 1986 and began cooking for Elder Care, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She was an avid reader, gardener and she could beat anyone in a game of Scrabble. The grandkids recall her making long johns (maple sticks) for them every Saturday. No one ever left Marjorie’s home hungry, as she delighted in cooking for people. She was active in Royal Neighbors, St. Mary’s Altar Guild, Silver Educators and Garden Club. Her faith was very important to her and she was instrumental in helping build the church in Marmarth in 1954. She contributed to the church by singing in the choir as well as singing solo for weddings, funerals and High Mass. She also helped with many church dinners, Christmas programs and all church functions. Marjorie passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Andrew, and her parents. She is survived by her five children Mike (Joni) Sonsalla, Marmarth, ND, Mary Pat (Clayton) Graham, Baker, MT; Molly (Ranse) Lyson, Marmarth, ND, Donnie (Margaret) Sonsalla, Marmarth, ND and Rosalie (Rick) Medalen, Williston, ND, 12 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.


Click to View Program (PDF)


Burial Date: December 23, 2014
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Funeral Mass: Tuesday: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marmarth, ND