Irma L. McDonald, 94, Minot, formerly of Deering, died Friday, July 24, 2009, in a Minot nursing home.

Irma Leona Grilley was born Aug. 6, 1914, a daughter of Irving E. and Manda (Severson) Grilley, near Deering. She attended Grilley Consolidated School, which was a four-room schoolhouse, through her junior year, and graduated from Glenburn High School in 1932. She remained at home following graduation, cooking for threshing crews. She also worked for area farmers.

On Nov. 19, 1940, Irma was united in marriage to John McDonald in Mohall. They lived and farmed in Grilley Township, McHenry County, one mile from her parents' homestead. John retired from active farming in 1975, but they continued to live on the farm. John passed away July 11, 1983. Irma remained on the farm until 2000, when she moved to Edgewood Vista in Minot.

Irma was active in the community, serving as a member of the Grilley School Board for 26 years. Her affinity for numbers made her a great treasurer on that board. She was also active at the St. Philomena's Catholic Church, Glenburn. In her younger years, Irma sang on a radio show and for many weddings and funerals. She enjoyed attending barn dances and playing card games, even though her mother did not approve. Her flowers bloomed long before and after the summer season. Irma always persevered over her health problems to live long and happily.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be missed by all who knew her.

Those who shared in her life: daughter, Margaret "Peggy" (Paul) Christianson, Glenburn; sons, Bill (Carol) McDonald, Deering, and Robert "Bob" McDonald, Minot; nine grandchildren, Steven (Jennifer) McDonald, Chris (Seth) Peter, Pam McDonald, Janel (Butch) Conrad, Kate McDonald, Mike (Sue) Christianson, Nancy (Tim) Fisher, Dean (Jean) Johnson, Eric (Roni) Christianson; 14 great-grandchildren, Cooper, Brynn and Quinn McDonald, Eli and Oscar Peter, Sean and Mark Conrad, Morgan and Sam Christianson, Jenna and Leah Fisher, Grace and Olivia Johnson and Taylor Christianson; sister-in-law, Ina McDonald, Minot; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Irma was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Hollis (Lorraine) Grilley; in-laws, Lester (Ruth) McDonald, Alice (Orville) Brust, Kiarian Dooley and Leo McDonald.

Visitation: Thursday, July 30, 2009, from noon until 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil prayer service: Thursday at 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home Chapel, Minot.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, July 31, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Philomena's Catholic Church, Glenburn.

Burial: Friday at 1 p.m. at St. Olaf's Cemetery, Glenburn.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).