Eva V. Sanford
Eva Vera (Thomas) Sanford, age 88, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Dec. 23, 2023, in Watford City.
Eva was born on Aug. 17, 1935, in Watford City, N.D., to George O. Thomas, Sr. and Lilly Griebel Thomas as the second youngest in a family of 13 children.
Eva attended high school in Watford City and graduated in 1953. She married LeRoy Sanford on July 9, 1953. She and LeRoy were blessed with four children. They divorced in 1963. Her proudest accomplishment was raising her children and seeing them all graduate from high school and college. She often bragged that all of her kids were State Champions. Eva later married Garth Johnson (May 1990-divorced 2000) and enjoyed traveling to every state in the U.S. and camping.
Eva worked at Piggly Wiggly/Jack & Jill for over 28 years. She loved to dance and often enjoyed an evening of dancing at the American Legion Club following a long week of work. Eva’s best friend was Henry Skjelvik, and some of her most enjoyable years were those she spent as a Real Estate Salesperson selling real estate with Henry.
Eva’s house was spotless. She had the cleanest windows and driveway in town. She loved to plant moss roses, and enjoyed seeing her tiger lilies bloom each year. She also loved to fuss over her lawn, and wasn’t bashful about re-seeding parts of it every year if it wasn’t up to her standards. She was the worst enemy a dandelion could ever have. She especially enjoyed the visits of neighbors stopping by to see her.
Eva loved to read, especially James Patterson books, and never had an overdue book at the library. She often times would use a pencil to write her initials in the back of the book so she could tell if she’d read it or not. (But don’t tell anyone!)
The family held a private service for Eva at 11 a.m., CST on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, at the Fulkerson-Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Watford City, N.D., with Chaplin Rob Favorite officiating. Inurnment of Eva’s cremains was held at the Schafer Cemetery, Watford City, N.D.
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. God Bless You All.