Alma D. Opsta, 93, of Watford City, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, at Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Watford City.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012, 11 a.m., at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Watford City. Pastor Rob Favorite will officiate and interment will follow at Garden Valley Cemetery, rural Watford City. Friends may share memories and condolences with the family at (www.fulkersons.com).
Alma Dorothy Opsta was born Oct. 9, 1918, to Daniel and Annie (Nyhus) Miner, in Nesson Valley Township, Williams County, North Dakota. She was raised on the family farm and educated in the Nesson School District and at Wheelock.
On Nov. 16, 1937, Alma was united in marriage to Helmer Opsta in Sidney, Mont. The couple made their home at Banks, Watford City and Charlson primarily as Helmer was employed by Amerada Hess in the first oil production years. Alma was very independent and multi-talented and balanced the responsibilities of raising a family and caring for the farm operation. She also worked as the relief postmistress at Charlson while they lived there.
She loved people and loved sharing her talents with others, be it at work or for the Church. When Helmer died in January 1985, Alma moved to Watford City.
Alma was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Watford City and Patience Circle. She was also active in the church quilting program and a past member of the Watford City hospital auxiliary. She was an avid reader, and played the piano by ear.
She also enjoyed camping and fishing with her family and earned many "whopper" patches and prizes for her fishing abilities. Over the years they spent a lot of quality time at the lake at the New Town Marina and later at Tobacco Gardens.
She is survived by: her daughter, Sandra (Michael) Ranum, of Bismarck; son, Bruce Opsta, of Williston; grandchildren, Kelly Lee, Brian Lee, Wade Lee, Denise Opsta, Cari Opsta, Sharon Steffler, and Darrin Opsta, and stepgrandchildren, Andrew and Mark Ranum; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Helmer; son, Dennis Opsta; daughter, Audrey Lee; infant daughter, Sharon Opsta; brothers, Arthur, Floyd, Irving, Danard and Maurice; and sisters, Myrtle and Gladys.
Friends may call at Fulkerson Funeral Home of Watford City today, Aug. 31, from 1 to 5 p.m., and an hour prior to services at the nursing home on Saturday.