Mildred C. Conerton

Mildred "Susie" Conerton, age 88 of Grand Forks, formerly of St. Thomas, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at Valley Memorial Homes, Woodside Village, Grand Forks, ND. Mildred Christine Hedstrom was born May 22, 1924 in Aneta, ND, the daughter of the late Fred and Louise (Moderow) Hedstrom. She grew up and was educated in Aneta, ND, graduating from high school in 1942. She was united in marriage to Walter Smallbeck on July 3, 1942. They began their life together on the family farm before moving to Aneta. She worked a variety of jobs while raising her family including the operation of the local café for many years. On May 28, 1965, she was united in marriage to Arthur Conerton in Grand Forks, ND. The couple traveled the country extensively with Art's work in bridge construction, living in many states before settling in St. Thomas, ND. She worked with Art as custodians of the local school and for a number of years operated the St. Thomas Café before their retirement. Art died June 24, 1996. On July 22, 2009, she moved to the Woodside Village, Hearthstone in Grand Forks. She was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church and WELCA. She was a representative for Avon and a member of the President's Club for numerous years. She was also a member of the Legion Auxiliary for 38 years. Mildred is survived by her daughters: Diane Erickson, San Marcos, CA; Carol Snortland, Grand Forks, ND; Mona (Robert) Dietrich, St. Thomas, ND; sons: Steven (Sandy) Smallbeck, Grand Forks, ND; Timothy (Valerie) Smallbeck, Wilton, ND; son-in-law: Curt Albright, Freeport, IL; stepchildren: Verne Conerton and Beverly Conerton, both of Minneapolis, MN; sister Evelyn Stouffer, Bremerton, WA; brothers: Lester Hedstrom, Wiemer, TX; Chester (Delores) Hedstrom, Mayville, ND; 17 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Walter "Ole" Smallbeck, husband Arthur Conerton, daughter Susan Albright, son-in-law Jere Erickson, grandsons: Scott Erickson, Ethan Smallbeck, Corley "Trey" Morse III, brother Clarence Hedstrom and sisters-in-law Ramona Hedstrom and Ava Hedstrom. Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 3:00 P.M. at the St. John's Lutheran Church, St. Thomas. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 1-3:00 P.M. at the church. Interment will be at the St. Thomas City Cemetery. An online guestbook is available at www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.