Violette Okerson, 92, Turtle Lake, ND formerly of rural Coleharbor, ND died Sunday, April 5, 2020 at CHI St. Alexius Health, Turtle Lake. Due to the Coronavirus recommendations for funerals, there will be a private family graveside service at Bethel Lutheran Cemetery on Friday. Pastor Randy Emgarten will officiate the graveside service.

Violette was born September 16, 1927 on a farm near Benedict, ND the daughter of Lohven and Bessie (Novlesky) Bovkoon. She was raised on her parent's farm and attended country school. She graduated from Turtle Lake High School in 1945. Violette married Ervin Okerson on December 25, 1947 at Bethel Lutheran Church. They lived on a farm northeast of Coleharbor for 54 years. They moved into Turtle Lake in December of 2001. Ervin died in 2002. Violette continued to reside at her home until May of 2019. She then became a resident of the Sheridan Memorial Home in McClusky.

She had a love for gardening, which gave her great joy when she was able to share her produce with others. Violette was a very giving and caring person who never hesitated to put a meal or homemade goodies on the table for all to enjoy. She also enjoyed singing, dancing and could often be found sewing clothes for her children and later her grandchildren. Violette taught Farmers Union classes and vacation bible school. She took every possible moment to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, they were the joy of her life. Our mom and grandmother has won her "Crown".

Violette is survived by her children, Darnell (Deb) Okerson of Dickinson, ND, Penny (Allen) Hetzler of Turtle Lake, Janine (Jerry) Radke of Underwood, ND; her 9 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; her son-in-law, Wally (Kathy) Westrum of rural Turtle Lake and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter, Sherry Westrum; two granddaughters, Carmen and Allison and her siblings.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to Bethel Lutheran Church Cemetery Association or the Sherry Westrum Memorial Music Scholarship.