Vera Thompson, 91 of Hurdsfield, ND died Monday, November 12, 2012 at the St. Aloisius Nursing Home in Harvey. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 16 at the Hurdsfield Lutheran Church, Hurdsfield, ND. Visitation will be Thursday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey, ND. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hurdsfield, ND.

Vera was born on July 4, 1921 on the family farm near Chaseley, ND to Henry and Hulda Eda Leda (Rahn) Knodel. She was baptized on September 11, 1921 in Chaseley. Vera attended grade school in Chaseley and then the Haaland Bowdon Public School. She graduated from the Bowdon High School in May 1939. Vera married Norman Thompson on November 30, 1941 at Hurdsfield. They lived south of Chaseley. Vera lived with her parents while her husband Norman was in the army during World War II. He returned in 1945 and they moved to a farm near Hurdsfield. They farmed there and raised their four boys. They also milked cows and Vera sold cream and eggs in town. She also worked for three years at the Triangle Café and for ten years at the Bohn Café where she enjoyed working with her sister. Both cafes were in Hurdsfield. Vera also sold Avon products from 1983 until retiring in 2005. She loved going door to door and selling her Avon products and making new friends in the process. Vera kept very active. Her hobbies included crocheting; feeding and watching birds; fishing; camping and visiting friends along the way. She generously shared her extra garden produce. She was an active member of the community and rarely missed attending any activity in Hurdsfield. Norman and Vera were also part owners in the Hurdsfield Café and helped keep the local business going. She also helped her husband out with the Thompson Spraying Service that they owned. Norman passed away on July 20, 1982. Vera remained on the family farm and enjoyed her garden and keeping up her large and well maintained yard. She did most of the mowing herself with a little help from the grandchildren. She loved her flower gardens. Vera especially loved to decorate for the holidays. Her favorites were Christmas and of course her birthday being July 4th and the big fireworks displays at the farm. Vera decided to move to the Housing development in Hurdsfield in the summer of 2004. She had her auction sale, moved to town and never looked back. She continued to enjoy the company of her neighbors who always checked in on her and vice versa. Vera always tried to find the best in any situation and with people as well.

Vera was an active member of the Hurdsfield Lutheran Church and was a member of the Ladies Aid for 70 years and was serving as its president during the 50th and 75th anniversaries at the church. Vera was also an active member in the Royal Neighbors of America for 67 years. She also taught Sunday School for 25 years.

Vera is survived by her sons Lyle (Melodye) of Seattle, WA, Larry (Karen) Hurdsfield, Lynn (friend, Jeannette Arnold) of Harvey; ten grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Lonn; brothers, Orvin, Emerald and Willis; sisters, Vesta Bohn and Adella Jones.

Vera passed away on Monday, November 12, 2012. Blessed be the memory of Vera Thompson.