Jean Elaine Stafford, 74, of Bismarck formerly of Harvey, ND passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at the Baptist Health Care Center, Bismarck.

There will be a joint funeral service for Jean and her husband Ardell who passed away on November 21, 2020 at the First Lutheran Church, Harvey on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the Sunnyside Cemetery, Harvey, ND.

Jean was born on July 7, 1946 in Williston, ND to Melvin and Lorraine (Thompson) Stenseth.  She grew up in Arnegard, ND attending grade school and three years of high school.  The school consolidated with Watford City and she graduated from high school in 1964.  Jean attended the University of North Dakota Williston Campus for two years and transferred to Minot State University.  She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in education.  She began her teaching career in Harvey in 1969.  Jean married Ardell Stafford on June 2, 1973 in Williston. .  They lived in Harvey where they raised a daughter, Becky.   She retired in 2006 after having taught First Grade for many years at the B.M. Hanson Elementary School.  After retirement they moved to Bismarck with residence in the Baptist Health Care Center.  Ardell passed away on November 21, 2020.

Jean loved teaching and reading.  She enjoyed shopping and spending time with teachers, sister-in-law's and friends.  She also enjoyed hosting family get togethers and was always happy to be with her brother, Dwight and sister-in-law Sheryl.

Jean was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Harvey, ND.

Jean is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Thomas Lampp of New Orleans; brother, Dwight (Sheryl) of Aurora, CO, numerous brother-in-laws and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gary and an infant sister Carol.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Harvey Public Library, 119 10 ^th St. East, Harvey, ND 58341