Mary Virginia (Anderson) Stroh

Mary Virginia Stroh, age 95, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2019 at Bethany on University under the care of hospice. Mary Virginia Anderson was born on May 7, 1923 on the family farmstead in Elliott Township.  She was the eighth of ten children born to NC and Elizabeth Crandall Anderson.

Mary graduated from Elliott High School and attended Valley City Teachers College.  She married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence Andrew Stroh, on December 28, 1943.  They began their married life in Elliott, ND and moved to the family farm, where Mary was born, in 1951.  She attended summer school and night classes until graduating from Valley City State University in the early 1970’s with her bachelor’s degree in Education.  Mary initially taught in a one room country school house before finishing her teaching career in Lisbon, ND teaching the 6th grade.  Upon retiring from teaching she then enjoyed making salads for Kelsen’s Bakery in Lisbon, ND. Mary and Lawrence raised three children together Jacquelyn, Larry and Cynthia.  In 1975 they built their new home in Lisbon, ND where Mary lived until moving closer to family in Fargo, ND in 2008. 

Mary enjoyed the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who called her GG.  She enjoyed spending her summer weekends for the past 40 years at Ebert’s Resort on Star Lake, MN where she loved relaxing in her swing or going on pontoon rides.  She loved playing “80 cent rummy” card games with her Lisbon friends.  Mary’s favorite hobbies were reading a good book, magazine or the newspaper and also baking for her family. 

Mary is survived by her three children- Jackie Stroh, Larry Stroh, & Cindy (CC) Erickson, grandchildren- Tracy (Kurt) Larson, Brandon (Adrianna) Stroh and the mother of his children Tracey Stroh, Jordan (Jess) Erickson and Taylor (Wade) Thornton, seven great-grandchildren- Baylen, Nate, Sumner, Quinn, Brandon Jr., Asher and Brooks.  She was also a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, her parents, her daughter-in-law Luanna Stroh and her nine siblings. 

Our family is very appreciative of the wonderful and compassionate care Mary received over the past 6 years from all the caregivers and staff at Bethany on University in Fargo, ND and to her many friends she made there.  

Mary has now joined her loving husband Lawrence in heaven on his birthday. 

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