Mary Flaten

Mary A. Flaten, 77, Grand Forks, North Dakota died Tuesday, May 13, 2008 in Valley Memorial Homes Eldercare Center. Mary Alice Maloney was born at Rolla, North Dakota on July 9, 1930 to Alfred, Sr., and Alice (Cameron) Maloney. As a young girl she moved with her family to East Grand Forks. She attended school in East Grand Forks and is a 1949 graduate of East Grand Forks Senior High School. Mary and Ronald A. Flaten were united in marriage on October 16, 1950 at Crookston, Minnesota. Ronald died on December 29, 1983. She was employed by Northwestern Bell in Grand Forks, first as a telephone operator, and later as inventory control manager of the Northwestern Bell Warehouse in Grand Forks. She retired from Northwestern Bell in 1984. Mary was a 30 year member of the Communication Workers of America, and since retirement has been an active member of Telephone Pioneers, acting secretary for the Pioneers Life Member Club and Birthday Club. She is survived by her sons, Mark (Cindy) Flaten, and Ronald (JoAnn) Flaten, both of Grand Forks; grandchildren, Ryan (Heidi) Flaten, Grand Forks and Kristina Flaten, Colorado Springs, CO; great grandchildren, Rebecca and Bradley Flaten; brothers, Phil (Nancy) Maloney, Sun City, CA, and Paul Maloney, Bismarck, North Dakota; sisters, Jean Ostile, Great Falls, Montana, and Patricia Olson, Las Vegas, Nevada as well as numerous nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers, Alfred, Jr., and Teddy and an infant brother John. Services: will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 17, 2008 in Augustana Lutheran Church, 520 University Ave., Grand Forks. Visitation: will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2008 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks, and one hour prior to the service in the church. Interment: Aurdal Cemetery, Rural Portland, North Dakota.