Elaine Laverne Melby

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Elaine (Dolly) Thompson Melby October 20, 1931- September 30, 2024

Elaine Melby, cherished wife, mother, sister, and friend, died peacefully on September 30, 2024, at the age of 92.

Born on the family farm in Lisbon, ND to the late Adolph and Hazel (Peterson) Thompson, Elaine's life was a testament to hard work, kindness, and devotion to her family and friends.

She worked diligently on the farm until graduating from Lisbon High School in 1948. After graduation she moved to Fargo where she began her career at Northwestern Bell. She dedicated almost four decades (three weeks shy) to the company as a long-distance operator, contributing her talents until the office closure. Notably, she achieved a remarkable 27-year streak of perfect attendance which included always arriving to work on time.

On July 2, 1954, Elaine married Lynn Melby of Rustad, Minnesota. Together they made their home in Fargo where they raised two children Keith of Minneapolis MN and Joy Gorra of Chanhassen, MN.

Elaine was a devoted member of Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo where she actively participated in church activities. In addition to her faith, Elaine enjoyed various hobbies including bowling, cards, and crafts. She was part of a long-standing group of long-distance operators who formed a card club that transitioned to a craft club for more than 30 plus years. For a delightful decade, she and Lynn shared a passion for square dancing. She would also join Lynn and her two children golfing until she came down with tennis elbow.

Affectionately known as Dolly by her family, Elaine embraced her role as a loving wife, mother, sister, and daughter. She found immense joy in family gatherings and cherished moments with her husband, with whom she celebrated their 70th anniversary on July 2, 2024. Prior to Elaine's mother passing she would spend every 3rd week for seven years taking care of her mother at her home in Lisbon, ND. It was always important to Elaine to visit family or friends that were hospitalized and to keep them in her prayers.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; her son-in-law, Michael Gorra; her five brothers, Vernon, Layton, Virgil, Gerald, and George; and one sister, Delores Wolf; and several nieces and nephews.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Lynn; her children, Keith and Joy; and her siblings, Beverly Vandrovec, of Fargo, Gladys (Ron) Fredrickson of Phoenix, AZ, and Galeyn (Marcey) Thompson of Lisbon. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, along with several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

The family gives special thanks to Elaine's caregivers at Edgewood Vista and Hospice of the Red River Valley for their exceptional care and compassion.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, October 3 at Olivet Lutheran Church with visitation at 10:00 AM and service at 11:00 AM. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Olivet Lutheran Church or Dakota Boys Ranch.

Elaine's spirit will forever be a guiding light in the hearts of those she touched.