Claire Sys

Minot

Claire Sys, 84, Minot and formerly of the South Prairie area, died peacefully in her home on Tuesday June 9, 2026.

Claire Elaine Tanner was born on November 27, 1941 in Minot, ND to Dale and Emma (Bader) Tanner. She was raised and educated in Minot and graduated from Minot High School in 1959.

Claire married her high school sweetheart Ronald Sys on June 18, 1961 at First Presbyterian Church in Minot. They settled on the family farm south of town, where they raised their four children Kevin, Gary, Scott, and Lorie. They made a living farming small grains and raising cattle. Claire was an avid homemaker and loved living and working on the farm.

Claire was deeply devoted to caring for her family and those around her. She used her many passions and talents to care for others, whether it was cooking a homemade meal to deliver to the field during harvest, baking her family-famous buns, or sewing a quilt for each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Claire’s other passions included traveling, square dancing with Ron, reading, and searching eBay for her ever growing clock collection.

Claire was also an active member in the community, participating in numerous clubs and organizations. She was a member of Saron Lutheran Church where she served as President of the Church Council, the church organist and pianist for 40 years, and was a Certified Lay Pastor. She served as President and Secretary of the Prairie Belles Homemakers Club, served on the Ward County Library Board, and was Secretary/Treasurer of the Willis Township Board for 14 years.

By 2001, Ron and Claire were ready to retire from farming to pursue their next adventure: becoming snowbirds. They spent the winter months at their home in Gold Canyon, Arizona, where they embraced gated community living at Montessa Resort. They made many meaningful friendships here, with a social calendar that was always booked. They never missed a dance at the community center. Claire also enjoyed her ladies’ golf league and playing shuffleboard, where she brought home several championship trophies.

Most recently, Claire had resided at Somerset Court. Her husband, family, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many friends were the love of her life.

Claire’s loving family includes her husband of 65 years: Ronald; children: Gary (Nan) Sys of Minot, Scott (Tracey) Sys of Sawyer and Lorie (Chad) Morris of Forks, WA; daughter-in-law: Sandy Sys of Minot; grandchildren: Kyle Sys, Amanda (Martin) Sys, Christopher Sys, Derek (Jen) Sys, Ryan (Kelsy) Sys, Lindsey (Lane) Walhood, Mason (Kyla) Sys, Megan (Alex) Haider, Matthew (Sydney) Sys, Taylor (Christopher) Jermyn, and Collin Morris. Great-grandchildren: Cameron, Hailey, Carter, Madison, Leah, Colter, Carson, Caleb, Payton, Ryder, Braxton, Aiden, Bridger, Asher, Colt, Nolan, Adaline, Xander, and Gabriella. Sister-in-law: Sue Tanner, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Claire, who faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s with courage, was preceded in death by her parents, son: Kevin, siblings: Dennis Tanner and Carol (Jim) LaRue.

Celebration of the Life of Claire Sys: Monday, June 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in Saron Lutheran Church -rural Minot.

Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens – Minot.

Visitation: Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home – Minot.

Memorials are preferred to Saron Lutheran Church.

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

Published by The Minot Daily News, June 12, 2026.