Ann Hemphill

Minot

Ann Hemphill, 89, Minot, formerly of Sawyer, died Sunday, May 3, 2026, in her home.

Ann was born August 14, 1936, in Ulysses, Pennsylvania to Kenneth and Sarah (Hilfiger) Empson. She was raised and educated in Pennsylvania in her formative years.

Ann was united in marriage to Max Hemphill on January 17, 1953, in San Antonio, Texas. They remained in San Antonio for several years until his military career carried them to Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

They moved to North Dakota in 1962, settling in Sawyer. Ann started work with Tempo Department store before moving to Home of Economy in 1966, when it opened, and continued faithfully with the company for the next thirty-three years until her retirement in 1999. Max passed away on March 8, 2002.

Ann attended the Sawyer Nazarene Church and was a member of the Sawyer Senior Citizens. She taught Sunday School and was a past member of Women of the Moose.

Ann enjoyed working with her hands in the garden or on an embroidery project. She was a talented cook and found time to get lost in a good book.

She will be remembered for her kindness, sense of humor, and a good lunch.

Her loving family includes her children Marvin (Pam) Hemphill, Harvey, ND, Kate Sutter, Washburn, ND and Cindy (Louis Longie) Hemphill, Ray, ND; daughter-in-law Mary Hemphill, Sawyer, ND; grandchildren Katharyn (Clint) Burgardt, Dana Niedens, Danielle (Chris) Schell, Karl Sutter, Sarah (Mark) Feist, Jodi (Steve) Chalifoux, Melissa (Mitchell) Moe and Jamie (Alicia) Longie; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great children; siblings Marie (Dave) Cline, Wellsville, NY and Joe Empson, Ulysses, PA; brother-in-law Bill Updyke, Genesee, PA; sister-in-law Linda Empson, Ulysses, PA along with numerous nieces and nephews. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Michael, grandson Brian Hemphill, son-in-law Ron Sutter, sisters Jane Empson, Edna Perkins and Maxine Updyke and brothers John Hilfiger and Philip Empson.

Celebration of Ann’s Life: 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Interment: Sawyer Community Cemetery, Sawyer, ND

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials are preferred to Sawyer Community Cemetery; If mailing Mrs. Gail Buda, 9601 167th St. SE, Velva, ND 58790

Memories and condolences can be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 7, 2026.