With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our mom Connie Cayko on July 2, 2026, at the age of 84. Mom departed this world peacefully, surrounded by the love of her children, who held her hands by her bedside in her final moments. Her journey began on October 11, 1941, in the town of Crosby, North Dakota, where she was born to Edwin and Hazel Ralph.

Mom's life was a tapestry woven with love, resilience, and generosity. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Hazel, her siblings Douglas Ralph, Ardith Bullock, and LaNora Strong, as well as her beloved sons, Robert "Bob" Ferrell, Norman Dahl, and Kurt Dahl. Though they are no longer with us, their spirits remain an integral part of mom's story.

Mom's legacy continues through her surviving family, who were the center of her world. She leaves behind her devoted children: Micheal and his wife Nubia of Houston, TX; Dennise and her husband Tim Schaffner of Glendive, MT; Georgia and her husband DuWayne Lorenz of Glendive, MT; Anita and her husband Kirk Johnson of Cartwright, ND; and Danny Ferrell of Fairview, MT. She is also fondly remembered by her brothers, Stanley and his wife BettyLu of Minot, ND, and Lonnie Ralph of Portland, OR, along with her cherished sister Valerie and her husband Lyle Westman of Warren, MN.

Mom found joy and pride in her large family, which includes 19 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren and another one on the way. Grandma was on Facebook & Snapchat numerous times a day keeping up with her grandkids and great-grandkids. She was engaged as much as anyone could be. Her home was a haven of warmth and laughter, filled with the delicious aromas of her cooking and the joyful noise of card games and bingo nights. Family gatherings centered around playing her favorite game of Smear, any rummy games, or Pinochle. So much so that the meal was barely finished before the table was cleared for cards.

A very special time for mom and her children was their time spent going on trips together. In 2016 we were privileged to spend a week in Arizona together, just mom and her kids. Also, in January of 2024 she was able to fly with her kids to Houston and spent another week together as a family. We are so grateful for those special memories.

Mom's culinary talents were renowned, both in her professional career, where she worked as a waitress and cook, and at home, where she delighted in creating meals for her loved ones. Throughout her life, Connie wore many hats, from owning the Hotel Albert for two years to managing the Stockman Bar with a welcoming smile. She was also a professional poker dealer through out her life. Her work ethic was matched only by her generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Mom's journey through life was marked by love and companionship, beginning with her marriage to Dennis Ferrell in 1960 in Crosby, ND. Though they parted ways in 1973, her heart found companionship once more with John Cayko, whom she married in 1975. After their time together, mom's heart and life were shared with Dennis Dahl, with whom she spent 48 treasured years, building a life rich in shared memories and love. We often said they couldn't live with each other, but couldn't live without each other either. In recent years they may have found the perfect combination for them, living in separate apartments just a cross the hall from each other.
Her spirit and memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

As we say goodbye to our mom, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and a legacy that will endure through the generations. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mom we love and miss you!