Elizabeth Cudmore

Elizabeth “Betty” Edith Cudmore was born on March 1, 1933 to Anton “Tony” and Blanche (Klava) Kasprick in Pulaski Township, Walsh County, ND, and passed away peacefully at her home on June 22, 2025—at the very same early morning hour that she rose to pray every day of her life.

Betty grew up and attended school in Grafton, ND, and was united in marriage to Clayton Alvin Cudmore on July 1, 1952 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Grafton.  Together they built a life on their farm north of Park River, where they raised six children.  Betty was a dedicated homemaker who also served at the State School in Grafton for 20 years.  Throughout her life, she found joy in sewing, crafts, bowling, square dancing, and spending time outdoors tending her beautiful flower gardens.

Anyone who visited Betty knew they would never leave hungry—there was always a meal on the stove, leftovers waiting in the fridge, or a dessert on the counter.  Cooking was one of the many ways Betty showed her love, and she was always trying new recipes.  She will be most remembered for her homemade donuts, mocha squares, jelly rolls, fried dumplings, macaroni salad, and her red velvet cake.

More than anything, Betty’s house was a home—a place where everyone was welcome, whether family, friends, or strangers who wouldn’t stay strangers for long.  Never one to hold back, she was full of life and quick with a kind word or a bit of honest, heartfelt advice.  And if you left an impression, you probably went home with one of her aloe vera plants.

A true matriarch, family was the heart of Betty’s existence, and she loved having everyone together.  She kept a prayer list tucked into her prayer book that included the names of her entire family and beyond.

In her final years, Betty was lovingly cared for by her son, Jay Cudmore.  You could often find her at the kitchen table working on Word Finder puzzles, playing solitaire, or roping visitors into a game of Rummy or Kings in the Corner.  Even as the years passed, she never forgot a face, greeting each visitor with the warm familiar spark that was uniquely hers.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Clayton; her son Thomas Cudmore; her great-granddaughter, Megan O’Toole; her parents, Tony and Blanche Kasprick; her sisters: Antoniette Sevigny, Mary Dokken, and Donna Gehrtz; and her brother Tony Kasprick.  She was also preceded by her brothers-in-law: Albert Sevigny, Gordon Dokken, Kenny Gehrtz, Gene Hagen, Erwin Cudmore, Calvert Jones and Glen Cudmore; and sisters-in-law: Sandy Kasprick, Ethel Joens, Doris Cudmore and Bethel Cudmore.

She is survived by her sister Rosalie Hagen, Grafton, ND; her children: Alvin “Jay” Cudmore, Park River, ND; Dawn (Craig) Jarolimek, Forest River, ND; Dean (Margaret) Cudmore, Grafton, ND; Karen (Jeff Flaten) Cudmore, Park River, ND; Keith Cudmore, Park River, ND; her daughter-in-law Sandee Cudmore, Grafton, ND; her grandchildren: Tammie (Gene) O’Toole, Craig Cudmore, Anna (Brady) Cudmore, Scott (Kristen) Cudmore, Casey (Roy) Rostvet, Erin (David) Dickson, Clayton (Belinda) Jarolimek, Jeane (Denny) Flaten, Gene (Susan) Cudmore, Mike Cudmore, Shawn (Tamara) Cudmore, Sara (Brent) Riskey, Gavin (Morgan Chalich) Miller; along with many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews who will forever treasure their memories of her.

Her legacy of love, generosity, humor, and strength will live on in all who knew her.

Memorials in Betty’s honor can be made to the Calvary Cemetery Fund of Park River, ND; First Care Health Center, Park River; the Park River Ambulance Service, or the Unity Medical Center, Grafton, ND.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, June 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Park River.  Visitation will be Thursday from 6-7 with a rosary and prayer service to follow at 7:00 PM at the church.  Friends may also call on Friday for one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery of Park River.