Sharen Ann Nelson

Sharen Ann Nelson, 76,

Valley City, ND, passed

away in her home on De-

cember 13th. Sherry was

born in Noonan, ND, the

oldest child of John and

Irene (Melgaard) Nelson.

She grew up in the Lar-

son, ND area. She married

Alvin Swenson of Portal,

ND in 1958.To this union

were born two daughters,

Kristie and Laurie, fol-

lowed by two sons, Rickie

and Randie. In 1977 she

married LeRoy Johnson of

Lignite, ND and they had

one daughter, Suzie.

Sherry spent many

years working as a

waitress and cook in

several bars and restau-

rants, even owning a few

different establishments

herself.

In 1997, Sherry moved

to Valley City, ND and be-

gan working at the Shey-

enne Care Center in the

food service department.

She later started working

for the Open Door Center

as a caregiver, then transi-

tioned to a private care-

giver for one individual.

This job brought her

much joy. In retirement,

she enjoyed quilting and

crocheting. Sherry was al-

ways looking out for oth-

ers, even in death she

wanted to give back. She

chose to donate her body

through the UND Deeded

Body Program for the ad-

vancement of medical

education.

Sherry is survived by:

her mother Irene Nelson,

daughters Kristie (Arne)

Dahl, Laurie Swenson,

Suzie (Jesse) Henderson,

son Rick (Paula) Swenson,

companion LeRoy John-

son, sisters Janet and

Tammy, brother Terry,

along with several

grandchildren and

great-grandchildren, as

well as some very special

friends.

She was preceded in

death by: her father, John

Nelson, infant son Randie,

and three infant

grandchildren.

Although there will not

be a formal funeral at this

time, a graveside memori-

al will be held at the As-

sembly of God Cemetery

near Noonan, ND on June

8, 2019, at 11:00 AM. It

will be followed by a

lunch and sharing of

many great stories of

Sherry’s life.

(Lerud Mathias Funeral

Home, Valley City)