Elva Marion Silliman

Elva Marion Silliman, age 102 of Park River, ND died at Woodside Village in Grand Forks, ND on Wednesday, March 18, 2015. Elva Marion Hendrickson was born April 23, 1912 at Glenfield, ND the daughter of the late John and Josephine (Johnson) Hendrickson. She attended school at Glenfield and served as its first valedictorian, then attended the State Teachers College at Valley City, ND. While teaching at York, ND she married Fred Silliman on June 12, 1942. In 1946 they moved to Park River as Fred purchased what was to be known as the Silliman Implement Company. Later he purchased the Fairdale Supply and eventually farmed in Golden Valley. Elva worked as the bookkeeper for the business and, following Fred's death, worked for Dundee Insurance. Elva enjoyed being a member of the Harmony Homemaker's Club, the Rebekah Lodge, the Hospital Auxiliary and various church circles. Over her lifetime, Elva enjoyed traveling to scenic and historic places in the US and Europe. Her biggest joys were spending time with her family, playing the piano, reading books and serving church. We are so proud to call her Mother and Grandmother. Elva is survived by Donna (Michael) Gillen, Betty (David) Bruni, and James (Adele) Silliman. She is also survived by all her grandchildren: Patrick (Michelle) Young, Renae (Brian) Preyna, Doug (Kari) Gillen, Bob (Tanya) Gillen, Tom (Rachel) Gillen, John (Terri) Shuman, Ally Shuman and Mary (Jeremy) Kartes. Elva has 18 beautiful great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred in 1968, her daughter, Carol in 2000 and son-in-law, Norman Young in 2009 as well as her parents and all her siblings. Funeral services will be Monday, March 23, 2015 at 1:30 PM at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Park River. Visitation will be Monday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Park River in the spring.