Alva Wisness

Singy Wisness, 87, of Fargo, ND, died Monday, December 10, 2007, at Bethany Homes, Fargo. Alva Belle “Singy” Rutherford was born April 20, 1920, in Page, North Dakota, daughter of Wilfred and Coral (Knowles) Rutherford. She grew up in Page, North Dakota and attended Valley City College in Valley City, North Dakota. Singy taught in a one room country school in Page, ND. She married Shell Johnson in 1941, and moved to Colgate, North Dakota. She was active in the Colgate Presbyterian Church Ladies Aid, Missions and teaching Sunday school. Shell died in 1976. Singy married Henry “Hank” Wisness in 1980, and moved to Fargo, North Dakota. She attended Olivet Lutheran Church and was a Bible Study Fellowship Leader for many years. She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels for 20 years. Singy wrote poems and programs for and performed in Farmer’s Night, pageants and church. She loved to dance, cook, bake, ride bike, walk, study the Bible, write and design her own birthday and Christmas cards. She is survived by her husband, Henry, Fargo, ND; daughter, Jean Orsini, New Lenox, IL; son, Ted (Betty) Johnson, Hope, ND; foster daughter, Linell (Roger) Pickar, Wimbledon, ND; sisters, Betty (Dr. Neil) Macdonald, Valley City, ND; and Tiny (Lee) Frost, Fargo, ND; three step-daughters, Connie (Al) Santwire, Fargo, ND; Sandi (Bruce) Cossette, Fargo, ND; Pam (Larry Auge) Wisness, Scottsdale, AZ; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, who enjoyed visiting her at the farm. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Shell Johnson; grandson, Troy Johnson; sisters, Tuddy (Jim) Adams; Jackie (Bob) Krag; Joyce (Jack) Goehl; and step-granddaughter, Heather Holverson. Memorials to Red River Valley Hospice and Alzheimer’s Foundation. Visitation: Wednesday, December 12, 2007, from 5-7:30 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Prayer Service: Wednesday, at 7:30 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold. Celebration of Singy’s Life: Thursday, December 13, 2007, at 11:00 A.M., at Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. Inurnment: Page Cemetery, Page, ND.