Rosalie Melby

Bowbells

Rosalie Jean Lorraine Melby, Bowbells, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Thursday, July 20, 2023, at Edgewood Village Assisted Living in Bismarck.

Rosalie was born March 3, 1944, the daughter of Lloyd (Pompy) Johnson and Muriel (Peterson) Johnson. She was raised and educated in Bowbells, graduating from Bowbells High School in 1962. She furthered her education by attending Minot State College, obtaining a bachelor’s degree with a major in elementary education and a minor in music in 1966.

On June 6, 1965, Rosalie was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Gary Melby. Following college, they made their home together in Bowbells, where Rosalie began her teaching career, primarily teaching third-fifth grades, as well as music education. She also served as the Athletic Director for part of her career. Teaching was a huge passion of Rosalie’s. She retired after 40 years within the same school system and continued with substitute teaching until November of 2022.

Rosalie had a huge love for family, friends, and people in general. Her compassionate and caring heart was felt by many through numerous home-cooked meals hauled to the field during harvest, to making her famous scotcharoos for gatherings, to being a voice of reason and support to whoever crossed her path. But most of all, her grandchildren, Paige, Noah, Kirkland, Kyler, and Kenley, meant the world to her. She loved attending their activities, having them stay at the house, go to the lake, shop together, and so much more.

Rosalie loved the arts. She enjoyed going to musicals, concerts, and plays. She was an avid reader, often spending time on the deck of their lake cabin during the summers reading on the porch swing. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, traveling to Arizona in the winters, and hosting the most magical holiday gatherings. She was strong in her faith and active in her church. She taught Sunday School, served as Sunday School Superintendent, was Church Treasurer, a Trustee, and served in Lay Ministry. She sang at numerous weddings, funerals, and church programs. Rosalie was also very active in her community, serving in many organizations.

Rosalie’s loving family includes husband, Gary Melby, of 58 years; children, Kevin (Brooke) Melby, Kyle (Kristine) Melby, Kari (Mike Shock) Melby; grandchildren, Paige (Tyrel Erickson) Melby, Noah (Hannah Tofteland) Melby, Kirkland (Taylor Peterson) Melby, Kyler (Shantell) Melby, and Kenley Melby; step great-grandchild Tayson Erickson; siblings Jeff (Jeanne) Johnson, Jim (Bonnie) Johnson, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd (Pompy) and Muriel Johnson.

Funeral: Monday, July 31, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church, Bowbells.

Interment: Bowbells Community Cemetery, Bowbells.

Visitation: Monday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church, Bowbells.

The service will be video recorded and available for the public to view on Tuesday, August 1. The video can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Bowbells Public School in honor of Rosalie Melby.

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

Published by The Minot Daily News, July 26, 2023.