Mary Elizabeth Gravalin

Mary's Memorial Service can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/855815992

Her tribute video can be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/LR2XBQZ4MGFPN8W5

Mary Elizabeth Marsten was born on November 21, 1935, in Ada, MN to Alvina (Wilkens) and Arnold Marsten. She graduated from Ada High School in 1953. Mary worked at the Ada Creamery. She moved to Fargo and worked for Bell Telephone in the engineering department.

Mary met Richard Gravalin on a blind date in 1959. They married on September 17, 1960, in Moorhead, MN. Mary and Richard eventually bought a house in south Fargo where they raised their three children, Elizabeth, Michael and Thomas. She worked at LaBelle's Department Store, Sunmart and in various roles with her husband. However, her dream job was being a wife and mother. She raised her three children and did daycare in her home. She cared for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the children of many friends. Both she and Richard retired in 2000.

Mary was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast, enjoyed reading, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Days of Our Lives and tending to her neat and tidy house. She and Richard loved to go out dancing. She took pride in her children's and grandchildren's accomplishments; she never missed a game or event.

Mary moved to her daughter Beth's home near Detroit Lakes due to health reasons. She died there under the care of her family and Hospice of the Red River Valley on August 8.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley and Roger Maris Cancer Center.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband and parents. She is survived by her children, Beth (David Graening) Gravalin, Detroit Lakes, MN, Michael (Renee) Gravalin, Fargo, Thomas (Rhonda) Gravalin, Fargo; grandchildren: Sara, Erin, Caitlin, Samantha, Alison, McKenna, Sean and Katelyn; six great-grandchildren; three step great-grandchildren; and sister, Janice Self, Ada, MN.