MARIE ROSE (HARTSOCH) VANCE was born August 4th, 1931 to Lloyd and Olga Hartsoch. In 1935 the family moved to the family farm in Hofflund Township. Marie was raised on very little as they attempted to farm during the drought of the 30’s. They had a few milk cows and chickens and put up thistles for hay. By “doing without”, hard work and a strong faith in God they were able to survive the drought of the 30’s. They had an old piano and Marie learned to play by ear at a very early age. She attended Sunday School and was confirmed at Beaver Creek Church. Marie attended grade school in rural Hofflund School through 6th grade and finished her schooling at Ray High School, graduating Valedictorian of her class. Marie was very proud of this and the fact that while in high school won two state soloist contests, the trophies she won are still in the showcase at the Ray school. After graduation she worked as a legal secretary for Morris Borstad, an attorney in Ray/Tioga and saved money to go to one year of college at Augsburg in Minneapolis, MN. While going to college she worked in the Dean’s office to help pay for board and room.

Wayne and Marie met at confirmation classes at the Beaver Creek Church and also when their mothers’ brought them along to the Ladies Aid area meetings, as the meetings were all held in the homes. They were not interested in each other at the time. Marie’s brother, Arvey, and his friend Tom Judd got tired of taking Marie along to shows and what not, so they decided to find a boyfriend for her—hence Wayne Vance. Things worked out well, and Wayne and Marie were married June 10, 1951. After their marriage they moved to the Vance farm in Nesson Township. It is on this farm where they spent the next 67 years. Here they raised their four children. When they got married, Wayne owned a Dodge truck and Marie had a sow and seven little pigs. In 1956 they got their first black and white television. Entertainment back then was playing cards and getting together with the neighbors. Most time was spent working on the farm and raising cattle and horses. Marie always had a garden and raised and canned vegetables for her family. She loved to quilt and crochet and had many handmade items in her home. Marie was happiest at holidays when there was lots of food prepared and her house bursting to the seams with family.

In 1986 Marie worked as a legal secretary for the Neff law firm in Williston, retiring in 2004. She was a member of the Beaver Creek Church and the Ladies Aid all her life and held many offices within those organizations, and she was currently the Church pianist. Marie loved her music and played piano and sang for many, many weddings, funerals and other functions over the years. She was a 4-H leader and the secretary for the Mondak Quarter Horse Association for many years. Marie was a very generous and understanding person to her family and friends. Marie was very proud of her family and loved every one. She will be missed by all of them.

Marie was preceded in death by an infant son, Curtis Wayne; daughter, Arlene Kingstad; parents, Lloyd and Olga Hartsoch; father and mother-in-law, Carl and Doris Vance; and brother, Arvey Hartsoch; brother in law, Earl Hartsoch.

Marie is survived by her husband, Wayne; two daughters, Connie (Les) Tofte and Terry (Russell) Hauge; one son, John Vance; a sister, Ara Hartsoch; brother in law, Wally Vance and his wife, Sharon; sister in law, Iona Hartsoch; son-in-law, David Kingstad; 10 Grandchildren, Gina Kingstad, Clint (Dawn) Kingstad, Linda (Mitch) O’Connor, Brenda (Scott) Foster, Brandon (Stephanie) Tofte, JoAnn Messina, Danielle (Will) Terrett, Steven (Shannon) Hauge, Kevin (Keri) Hauge, Darrin (LeAndra) Hauge; 26 Great Grandchildren; 5 Great Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Contribution