Rita Gravalin

Rita Irene Thompson, daughter of Russell and Kathleen (Moriarity) Thompson, was born Dec. 17, 1926, in Fargo, ND, where she grew up, received her education, and graduated from Fargo Central High School.

On October 27, 1947, she married Joseph L. Gravalin, in Fargo. The couple lived in Fargo until 1971, when they moved to Hopkins, MN. Joseph died in January of 1999, and following his death, Rita returned to Fargo, where she had lived since.

Rita had served as a banquet waitress at the Elks Club, the Eagles Club, and Holiday Inn, all in Fargo. She was an excellent baker. Her donuts, banana bread and apple hand pies were favorites. She also enjoyed shopping at Dayton's, Power's, and Target.

Rita died Monday, September 4, 2017, in Villa Maria, Fargo, at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and a sister, Helen Bass. She is survived by her children, Steven (Deb), Nancy, and Kevin (Lisa) Gravalin; sisters, Peggy Bassitt and Beverly LaPash; grandchildren, Shawn (Whitney), Ryan (Kelsey), Justin (Heather), and Lauren Gravalin; and great grandchildren, Izabell, Finn, Owen, Nora, Jordan and Lyric Gravalin.

A memorial service for Rita will be held Friday, Sept. 8, 2017, at 2:30 PM, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.

(Korsmo Funeral Service, Moorhead, MN)