Lelia Norma Sailer

Lelia's Funeral Service can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/509855015

Lelia's Tribute Video can been seen and copies ordered here:
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/YXHNCDS5RLNM4F62

Lelia Norma (Spah) Sailer, 87, Mesa, AZ, formerly of Bismarck, ND passed away peacefully on February 5, 2021 at Elim Pioneer House Assisted Living, Fargo, ND.

Lelia was born February 21, 1933 to Lydia Spah and Clifford Morisette in Tuttle, ND. She graduated from Tuttle High School in 1951 and from business college in Bismarck, ND. Lelia worked as a bookkeeper for North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation until her retirement.

On March 25, 1952, Lelia married Ruben Sailer in Bismarck, ND where they resided until their retirement. Lelia’s hobbies included ceramics, bowling league, gardening, cooking, and most of all fishing and camping. Upon their retirement, Lelia and Ruben enjoyed many years traveling throughout the United States and Canada in their airstream trailer. They were also able to partake in many cruises which included trips to Alaska, the Panama Canal, Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands. They spent the summers at the Airstream Park in Clear Lake, MN and winters at Viewpoint Resort in Mesa, AZ, where they made their permanent residence in 1989. Lelia cherished time spent with her many friends and her family; along with tremendous joy from the many pictures and videos of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lelia is survived by two daughters, Karla (Jeff) Thorstad, Blue Springs, MO and Darcy (Brian) Thomas, Moorhead, MN; three grandchildren, Melissa (Ryan) Bethel, College Station, TX; Laura (Paul) Taylor, Las Vegas, NV; and Jason (Jessamy) Thomas, Moorhead, MN; five great-grandchildren, Margaret Bethel, Isabelle & Luke Taylor, and Jade & Jordan Thomas; three step-brothers, Dean (Florine) Auch, Irvine, CA; Jerry Auch, Mesa, AZ; and Larry Auch, Post Falls, ID.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ruben Sailer; mother and step-father, Lydia & William Auch; father, Clifford Morisette; step-sister, JoAnn Auch; grandparents, Fred & Caroline Spah; and great-grandchild, Caleb Bethel.

May Lelia’s independent, determined nature and her kind, caring and generous heart live on in the memories of all who knew her.

Memorials can be made to the American Stroke Association at www.stroke.org

Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., followed by a funeral at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 11, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home in Fargo. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home’s website (above).

Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12, in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Bismarck, N.D.