Mary Ann Beaton

Mary Ann Beaton, 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 17, 2022, at Serenity Assisted Living Center, Dilworth, MN.

Mary Ann was born on February 22, 1928, near Rothsay, MN. She was the second child of Louis and Elfie Bares. She lived the first six years near Rothsay, then moved 10 miles east of Erhard, MN in 1934 to Star Lake Township. She attended country school through the 8th grade and graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1945. After graduation she packed her one suitcase and moved to the big city of Fargo. She went to a dance at the Crystal Ballroom and met the love of her life! Jack and Mary were married on June 19, 1948, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo, ND. They enjoyed almost 70 years of marital “bliss”.

Mary worked various positions as a secretary before starting a family of four girls and one boy. She continued to work during the tax season for many years with an accounting firm. And in her “spare time” spent numerous hours counting quarters for Jack’s Car Washes.

Mary was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother who always had time for a cup of coffee and ensured no one left her home hungry. Mary and Jack enjoyed many vacations seeing the world with family and friends. They spent many winters in Texas and summers at their cabin on Lake Sallie. Mary always enjoyed gathering with family and friends for a cold beer, lots of laughs and playing cards.

For the past 5 years Mary resided at Serenity Assisted Living. She enjoyed participating in the many activities, playing double solitaire with Emma and the companionship of the other residents and staff.

Mary is survived by her children: Diane Beaton, Fargo; Richard (Lonni) Beaton, Detroit Lakes; Shelley Ford, Moorhead; Renee (Greg) Johnson, Glyndon; and Joan (Chris) Lerdahl, Eaton Socon, UK; grandchildren: Melissa (Brandon) Sunde, Christopher (Jessica) Ford, Ryan (Brooke) Beaton, Calvin (Sarah) Johnson, Abby (Dain) Synhorst, John (Emily) Beaton, Zachary Lerdahl, Brianna Lerdahl and Alexander Lerdahl; and eleven great-grandchildren, Jack, Taylor, Grace, William, Aiden, Tanner, Rylen, Hope, Audrey, Avery, and Nova, sister-in-law, Kathy Bares, and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Jack; siblings, Betty (Henry) Kamps and Donald Bares; son-in-law Robert Ford; grandson, Jess Ford; and great-grandson, Dex Beaton.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 2:00 PM with a visitation one hour before the service at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN. Burial will be at Holy Cross North Cemetery, Fargo, ND.

We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the wonderful staff at Serenity for the love and care shown to our mother. Donations suggested to Serenity in lieu of flowers.