Alvina Raugust 89 of Harvey died Monday May 18, 2015 at the St. Aloisius Nursing Home of Harvey.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 23 at the Mennonite Brethren Church, Harvey.

Visitation will be held at the Hertz Funeral Home of Harvey on Friday May 22 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Burial will be in Sunnyside Cemetery, Harvey.

Alvina Yvonne Raugust was born May 8, 1926 on her family farm north of Goodrich, ND. She was the daughter of Gust and Lydia (Beich) Winter. Alvina attended grade school at two country schools and graduated from Goodrich High School in 1944. After attending Valley City State University in 1944 and earning a two year teaching degree, she taught for four years at three country schools in Sheridan County's Fairview Township. Alvina married her high school sweetheart, Monroe Raugust June 27, 1948. They lived, farmed and raised five children on the Raugust homestead southwest of Harvey until 1982 when they moved to Harvey, ND.

Alvina was an attentive mother who, in addition to all for the chores and demands of a farm wife, cared for her five children. Service to her family, God others was important to her. She was an active member of the Mennonite Brethren Church, serving the local church in many different capacities. She was president of the Central District Women's Missionary Society from 1979-1981 and held many local WMS offices. She sang for over 50 years in the Harvey Ladies Chorus and church choirs. A soprano, she frequently sang solos and duets, or with small groups. Alvina strove constantly to learn new things and joined Pioneer Homemakers in 1948. In 1953 she and Christine Faul organized the Farm and Home Club in Sheridan County and received her 50 year pin in 1998. She held every local and county office. As Sheridan County Safety Chairman in 1957-58, she was instrumental in placing 92 new signs, and creating safety films for PTAs, clubs and organizations. Alvina served as North Dakota State Safety Chairman from 1966-68, was a member of the North Dakota Safety Advisory Council and was Toastmistress at the 1968 state convention banquet.

In 1985 Alvina was the driving force behind bringing International Foreign Youth Exchange students to live with local farmers and ranchers. She also was an active participant and officer for the North Dakota Camping Association, the Goodrich PTA, band and chorus mothers and Farmers Union. She started a wedding reception service, providing table cloths, a kneeling bench, greenery and a silver service after making and using them for her two daughters' weddings. When she took time for herself, she read, listened to sacred music, sewed and spent time gardening. She loved flowers and won awards at the county and state fairs. After she and Monroe retired they enjoyed traveling much of the USA and Canada. Alvina participated and held leadership roles in Christian Women's. She loved riding in their buggy for parades. Their home was a center for entertaining friends and family.

Alvina will be remembered for her faithfulness in serving her God, loving and attending to the needs of her family and friends and her gentle spirit in living life to its fullest.

Alvina is survived by three sons, Barry (Diana) Raugust, Wichita, KS; Hugh (Diana) Raugust, Harvey; Kim (Diane) Raugust, Goodrich; Two daughters, Sharee Nelson, Bismarck; Jill (Ken) Martin, Moorhead, MN; Twelve grandchildren; Tonya Bronleewe, Paul Raugust, Nick Raugust, Cody Raugust, Lisa Raugust, Kari Thompson, David Raugust, Amanda Karber, Jackie Eells, Quent Martin, Jenelissa Martin, Miriah Noles; Thirteen great-grandchildren, Hazel, Luka and Selwyn Raugust; Piper, Shelby and Cheyenne Thompson; Sunday Raugust; Lawson, Sterling and Challey Karber; Khloe, Elli and Monroe Noles; brother, Ruben Winter of Goodrich.

Alvina was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Monroe and son-in-law, Myron Nelson.

Memorials are preferred to Gideons International and Tabor College Center for the Performing Arts.