Thelma Spafford

Fargo

Thelma Spafford, age 83 of Fargo, formerly of Westhope, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at a Fargo hospital. Her funeral will be held on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Visitation will begin an hour prior to service time at the funeral home.

Thelma Elaine (Stead) Spafford was born in Westhope, ND on Sept. 15, 1939. A daughter of Harry and Esther (Sannes) Stead. Thelma was raised on the Stead farm outside of Westhope and attended Stinson Schools School No. 1 a one room schoolhouse in Bentick township followed by schooling in Westhope where she graduated in 1957.

Thelma believed education provided many doorways to being fiercely independent.

Thelma graduated from Minot Business College. While in college Thelma washed dishes at Charlies on Main. She told her children many stories of working at Charlies. After she graduated Thelma enjoyed working around the country doing secretarial work for various federal agencies. Her work took her to San Fransisco, Reno, Minneapolis, and Minot AFB.

One Saturday at the Maxbass dance, Thelma met Clayton Spafford. Clayton was Thelma’s second love after Elvis and she enjoyed Honky Tonkin’ with Clayton at many of the local dances. Thelma and Clayton eloped in January 1966 and were married in Aberdeen, SD. After marriage, they made their home in Maxbass and later their farm near Westhope. Thelma and Clayton had four children, Mary, John, Patricia, and Linda.

While raising her family Thelma was a Girl Scout leader, 4-H leader, member of the Rebekah lodge, and active with the Presbyterian church in Westhope. Thelma was a talented gardener, seamstress, and homemaker. Thelma often repaired clothing for the guys working for Cardinal Drilling. When her children reached high school and late elementary age, Thelma pursued more education at NDSU Bottineau and received an Associate Degree in Computer Science and Business Administration. In 1990, Thelma began a career with the State of North Dakota Department of Emergency Management in Bismarck and she was able to complete her career and retire in 2004.

After retirement Thelma moved to Dilworth MN. Thelma was secretary for her condo board and a member of Hope Lutheran church in Fargo. For five years, she enjoyed being a snow bird and lived in Tampa FL in the winter. Thelma enjoyed Florida theme parks, art museums and water aerobics. Thelma loved traveling and spent many years traveling with family to Costa Rica, Panama, Bahamas, Las Vegas, California, and Virginia.

Thelma is survived by daughters Mary (Don) and Linda of MN, and daughter Patricia (Steve) VA. Her “adopted” daughter Traci of TX. Three grandchildren Andrew, Lydia and Joel. Many beloved nieces and nephews. Her sister Lorriane of ND.

She was proceeded in death by her son John, husband Clayton, parents Esther and Harry, brothers Hank, and Doyle.

In lieu of flowers Please make a donation to Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo memo Hope Cares. The family will be hosting a combined celebration of life for Roberta Stead and Thelma Spafford at the restaurant Shawna’s Place in Westhope the afternoon of May 27th.

(Nero Funeral Home – Bottineau)

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 22, 2023.