Rachel Evelyn Stene

Rachel Evelyn Stene, 103, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

Rachel was born May 25, 1915 in Fox Lake, ND to the late Harrison Morten Sparks and late Delia Marie (Vilandre) Sparks.  Rachel was the oldest of five children. In 1935, she married her loving husband, Oliver A Stene, spending almost 50 years together before his passing in February 1985. More than anything, Rachel cherished time with her family, staying close to the four generations of children and grandchildren who adored her by traveling near and far for visits. Eventually, as she got older, she delighted in video calls to keep in touch. 

A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, Rachel is survived by her children, Olive Swen (Eric, deceased) of Grand Forks, ND; Ardell Stene of Desert Hot Springs, CA ; Gary (Mary) Stene of Garden Grove, CA; Gayle (Richard) Peterson of Lockport, IL; Pam Stene of Grand Forks, ND; Shelley Stewart of Portland, OR; and Kim (Darrel) Enerson of Bismarck, ND along with 17 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Stene; her parents Harrison and Delia Sparks; her brothers Ronald, Raoul, Robert and Charles Sparks; and grandson, Jeffrey Enerson.

**In lieu of gifts/flowers, the family asks that donations be made to family and will be given to Altru Hospice, part of Altru Health System in Grand Forks, ND.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 12, 2018 with visitation one hour prior to the service in the church.

Interment will take place in Calvary North Cemetery in Grand Forks.