Beatrice Sivertson
Beatrice Sivertson went to her heavenly home on Dec. 3, 2023 at the age of 96. She was born June 15, 1927, the youngest of nine children of Syvert and Nellie (Ulsness) Swenson. She grew up in the Keene area with all of her relatives and friends. She loved spending time with her numerous nieces and nephews. She had a very special life-long friend in her niece, LaVetta Haugen. They rode horseback and climbed buttes around the countryside as kids.
Leslie Sivertson and Bea were married 72 years. They had three children: Arnold, Janice and Deborrah Joy (Debbie). Bea was Les’ secretary at the Union Station Blacksmith Shop and later the Keene Garage. She was also the parts runner for Keene Garage with frequent trips from Keene to Williston and always picking up parts after hours to help finish the repair job. She managed the Black Gold Cafe in Keene for a time. She was a member of Clear Creek Church in Keene and served funerals and weddings with the church ladies aid. She helped organize many Sivertson reunions over the years.
Les and Bea moved to Watford City in 1960. She loved her new city home inside and outside. She painted the house purple (which was the only purple house in WC). And, of course, with purple flower beds, too.
Bea joined The First Lutheran Church of Watford City and served many funerals and weddings with her Ladies Aid group. She loved making large meals for all occasions at her home, with no help wanted. Bea traveled to Denver alone many times to visit Arnold and Debbie, while Les worked at the shop. But she always had to leave on Friday and be back on Wednesday, due to her commitment to the Beauty Shop at the Good Shepherd Home. Where she volunteered to do hair every Thursday for over 25 years. She spent hours at the sewing machine and made quilts for grandchildren and others. She fished and golfed, loved to bowl and had many trophies to prove it. She loved to go on drives to Keene and The Theodore Roosevelt Park.
Bea and Les always helped out family members in need. Her house was a refuge to many.
Les and Bea traveled in their motorhomes with brother-in-law Kenneth and Luella around the United States. Bea drove every mile. Les was the navigator and the security crew. They traveled to 49 states, all except Alaska.
Bea had a gentle strong spirit. She had a beautiful smile and a sweet laugh. She was quiet, but always in charge. She loved her family and worked hard. Grandma Bea will be missed. No doubt she is cleaning up after a big meal in Heaven today.
Bea is survived by her daughter, Janice Sanford; Grandchildren, Brent (Sandi) Sanford of Bismarck, Beth Sanford of Fargo, and Barry (Paige) Sanford of Castle Pines, Colo; great-grandchildren, Sydney, Nicolas and Erin Sanford; Dawson and Bergen Lindahl, and Leyna and Tyler Sanford. brother-in-law, Donnie (Sandie) Sivertson; and sister-in-law, Marie (Clayton-deceased) Swenson.
Bea was preceded in death by her mother and father; and eight siblings; her husband Leslie; her son, Arnold Sivertson; daughter-in-law, Karen, and her daughter, Debbie.
Funeral services were held Saturday Dec. 9, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Watford City, N.D. with Minister Matthew Rolfson, Pastor Barb Becker and Chaplin Rob Favorite officiating. A luncheon followed the service. Beatrice was laid to rest at the Silent City Cemetery in Keene, N.D. There was a visitation an hour before the service. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City, N.D. is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.