Iris Cummings

Iris Marie Cummings, 76, Fargo, ND, passed away Monday, December 29, 2008, at her home. Iris Ross was born on April 9, 1932, the daughter of Frank and Celesta Ross in Fargo, ND. She was raised and educated in Fargo, graduating first from Central High School, and then Dakota Business College. After school, she worked briefly at a Fargo law firm, but put her career aside when she married Vance Cummings on December 18, 1954, in Fargo, ND. They had five children: Dawn, Lisa, Ross, Todd and Tracey. Iris was a devoted wife and mother with a heart full of love for her family. Iris had a great talent for art, and in her earlier years enjoyed painting, producing many fine landscapes. She also enjoyed needlework, although raising five children didn’t leave much time for hobbies. Iris always put the needs of others before herself. She had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. She was an avid book reader and breezed through as many books as she could get her hands on. Iris was a great fan of the NDSU Bison, and when her health was better, enjoyed attending games with her husband Vance and other Teammaker friends. She loved animals, and was especially close to her beloved miniature poodles, Murray and Chester. Due to declining health, Iris was housebound for many years, and was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Lisa. Throughout her life, Iris loved word games and puzzles, and even in her later years could still solve the phrase on “Wheel of Fortune” faster than anyone else in the room, although she often let others think they had solved it first! Survivors include daughters, Dawn (Bret) Mayo, Lisa, and Tracey, Fargo, ND; sons, Ross, St. Cloud, MN; and Todd, Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Marcus (Laura) Mayo, St. Paul, MN; Sarah, and Jessica Mayo, Fargo, ND; Briana, Raymond, and Erinn Cummings, St. Cloud, MN; three great-grandchildren, Devan, Daria, and Everett. Iris' grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the apple of her eye. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vance, who passed away in 2005. Visitation: Friday, January 2, 2009, from 5-7 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Funeral Service: Saturday, January 3, 2009, at 2:00 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND.