Helen S Oby

Helen Sylvia Gilbertson Oby, 91 of St. Thomas, ND passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton, ND. Helen Sylvia Gilbertson was born August 30, 1920 to Albert and Clara (Haugtvedt) Gilbertson, who farmed near Sharon, ND. She attended a rural elementary school near the farm and then graduated from Sharon High School in 1938. She went on to earn a two-year teaching degree from Mayville State Teacher's College. For two years, Helen taught in the same rural school she had attended as a child. Then, she moved to St. Thomas and taught there for three years, before marrying John M. Oby July 28, 1945. Helen substitute taught throughout her married life. She also worked as a bookkeeper for W.J. Gust and Sons; auditor for the City of St. Thomas and treasurer of the St. Thomas Cemetery Association. She was a noted cook and baker, especially of chocolate chip cookies and Norwegian specialties. She passed on her Lefse making skills to community members as well as her children. Helen liked to work with people and gave generously of her time in church and community affairs. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and was church organist for over 30 years. She was the Sunday School Treasurer for many years, a Sunday School Teacher and held offices in the church women's and circle organizations. Her children also remember the hours she spent as a 4-H leader and Cub Scout den mother. She has held offices in the Lyceum Club, which sponsored her as a candidate for North Dakota Mother of the Year in 1969. Helen is survived by her children: Karen Oby (Tom Dahle), Bismarck, ND; Allen Oby, St. Thomas, ND; Donna (Gerald) Smith, Bemidji, MN; and Lynn (Linda) Oby, Bismarck, ND; one sister, Della McKenzie, Littleton, CO; eight grandchildren: Lisa and Brandon Oby, St. Thomas, ND; Morgen Oby, Denver, CO; Kristie (Kurt) Taylor, Glendale, CA; Melissa Smith, Chandler, AZ; Joshua (Lindsey) Smith, Chandler, AZ; Aaron Dahle, Fargo, ND; and Evan Oby, Fargo, ND; three great grandchildren: Eva Smith, Everett Smith and Scarlett Taylor. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 43 years, John Martin Oby, and infant son Wayne Louis Oby, sisters: Alpha Gilbertson and Mabel Anderson, brother Arvid Gilbertson and nephew and niece Richard and Mary Anderson. Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John's Lutheran Church of St. Thomas, ND. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the St. Thomas City Cemetery.