Mavis J. Barth

Mavis J. Barth, 72, Glyndon, MN, passed away Friday, September 5, 2014 at Sanford Health surrounded by her loving family.

Mavis June Johnson was born on June 21, 1942 in Onamia, MN to Rev. Carl and Mildred Johnson.
After graduating from Webster SD High School, she attended North Dakota School of Science to pursue a degree in nursing. After successfully obtaining her Licensed Practical Nurse LPN degree, she returned to the Bismarck area and began working for MedCenter One Hospital. She transferred to several different employers before finding her true calling as a nurse at nursing homes and eventually in the Alzheimer’s wing.
During those years, she met the love of her life, David Barth. They were married on September 14, 1968 as her son Robin watched as the ring bearer. Dave and Mavis created three beautiful children, Troy, Nicole and Nylene as they made their home in Bismarck. She cherished the growing years with her children attending all their events that her nursing career would allow. In 1989, they moved to St. Cloud. Mavis continued her career, working as an LPN at nursing and retirement homes. Her first granddaughter, Ashlee, was brought into her life in 1991. Her new name would become “Grandma Mae”. In 1996, her grandson, Jonathen, was added to the other side of her lap, more joy for her life. They lived too far away, so they moved to the Red River Valley to be close to the grandkids in 2001. Little did she know that in 2006 the final grandchild, Anna, would be added to her fold. She would retire from work as a LPN at area nursing homes to take care of Anna full time until she was unable to, last fall, due to her health. She always said “I have found true happiness in my grandchildren” as she rocked her precious babies to sleep.
Grandma Mae carried out her love of sewing as she made clothing for her children and grandchildren. Lately, she began making doll clothes for Anna and for Christmas Dolls at Bell State Bank and Trust. She also made diapers for the children in Haiti. She would sew anything you asked her to, as she just loved to sew.

In December of 2000, Dave and Mavis made their first trip to Hawaii. She loved the ocean and the serenity it brought to her. She longed to take her family to her favorite destination as she started to scrapbook with her daughters and daughter-in-law. In 2010, Mavis’ entire family accompanied her on a cruise to Hawaii, bringing her great joy. She would return to Hawaii several more times. She also enjoyed trips to Great Britain and the East Coast.
We will miss Grandma Mae greatly, but know she is flying with the angels and will live in our minds and hearts forever.

Mavis is survived by husband, David, Glyndon, MN, sons Robin Barth and Troy Carmen Barth, Glyndon, MN and daughters Nicole Barth, Fargo, ND and Nylene Bryan Loepp, Kandiyohi, MN. Three grandchildren: Ashlee Brandon McManigle Barth, Hawley, MN, Jonathen Barth and Anna Claire Barth, both of Glyndon, MN; brother Lowell Kathy Johnson, Becker, MN and sister, Eileen Delk, Welch, MN. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Rev Carl and Mildred Johnson, an infant granddaughter, McKenzee Barth, and brother-in-law, Tom Delk.

A “Celebration of Life” gathering will be held at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 from 5-7 pm. The funeral will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 10:30 am. A viewing will be from 9:30 – 10:30, before the funeral.

We would like to thank everyone who has offered support and prayers for Mavis over the last 16 months. She commented often how comforting it was to know how many people were praying for her during her difficult year. A smile would always come to her beautiful face when we would tell her someone had asked how she was.