Beverly Gravelle

Beverly (“Bev”) JoAnn Gravelle, 81, of Grand Forks, ND died Friday, August 17, 2018  at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks.  God took one of his angels to heaven.

Beverly JoAnn Sannes was born August 9, 1937 in Grand Forks, ND the daughter of Theodore (“Ted”) and Agnes (“Tilly”) Sannes. She grew up and attended Roosevelt and Immanuel Lutheran School in Grand Forks, completing the 8^th grade.  At the age of 45, she proudly completed and received her GED from the University of North Dakota. She then went on to complete her first college course in English.

Bev married Ronald Miller, and they had one son, Patrick. Bev was married to Ronald Gravelle, and they had one daughter, Debbie.  Bev devoted her love, time and attention to her family, children and grandchildren.

Bev’s first work experience came at age 16 years with Miller’s Grocery Store in Grand Forks.  She was a very shy young girl, and she credits the development of her self-esteem and confidence in communicating with others from this first work experience.  She prided herself on knowing all the regular customers of the store by name.  This position led to her meeting Dr. Alderson, a local dentist, who hired her to be his dental assistant.  She worked as his assistant for 5 years, which she loved the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills from that experience.  Bev spent 23 years, until her retirement, working for the University of North Dakota.  She began as a custodian and eventually was recognized for her hardwork, receiving two different awards for her dedication, strong work ethic and leadership, as well as, being promoted to be a Custodial Supervisor.  She loved working with and meeting all the students over the years.  They would always seek her out before a big test or assignment, asking for her prayers, and she would celebrate their successes with them.  She loved all the students and the staff she had the pleasure to work alongside each day, which she considered all to be a part of her extended family. 

Bev had an extremely strong faith, and she never wanted to miss a Sunday at Bethel Lutheran Church.  She believed in the power of prayer and always had a long list of people she prayed for daily. She led a very simple and humble life, always giving of herself to others and taking care of others needs before her own.  Bev enjoying watching local car racing and hanging out in “the pits” after the races, especially when her son and nephew were racing cars. Her love of racing also extended to watching Nascar on TV with her brothers.  She loved country music and dancing.  She loved driving in her car and cranking the country music on her radio.  If she had an opportunity to dance, she would want to stay out on the dance floor all night.  She was even known to turn on country music and dance around at home on her own. She enjoyed walking every day.  She also loved to clean, especially for others.  Her greatest joy in life were her children and grandchildren. She would spend hours playing with her grandchildren when they were younger, attending any of their activities and sporting events, always beaming with pride at anything they would do.

Bev is survived by her son, Patrick Miller, Reynolds, ND; Debbie (Mike) Thompson, Grand Forks, ND; Her two grandchildren, Tyler (Mackenzie) Thompson and Hailey Thompson; Her two sisters, Marci (Norris) Loiland of Grand Forks, ND and Gloria (Henry) Marynik of Bemidji, MN; Her brother, William (“Bill”) Sannes, Grand Forks, ND; Along with nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Her brothers, Terrance (“Terry”) and Thomas (“Tom”) Sannes; a sister, Wanda Sannes, a Sister-in-Law, Grace Sannes; Niece, Lori (Marynik) Carlson and her grandparents.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at Amundson Funeral Home 2975 S. 42nd St. in Grand Forks, ND.  Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the funeral service at Amundson Funeral Home.  Interment will be held at Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.