Evelyn E. Forde, 80, of Lakota, formerly of Warwick, went to her heavenly home on Monday, October 11, 2010 after suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.

Evelyn was born on December 29, 1929 in Minco Township, rural Warwick, the daughter of Carl and Clara Swenson. She was raised in the rural Warwick area and attended the Minco Township schools before attending Warwick High School where she graduated in 1947. Evelyn attended Valley City State College the summer of 1947 before beginning her teaching career at a rural Minco School. She taught in rural schools in the Warwick area for four years. Evelyn met John Forde in Warwick High School and they were married on April 16, 1949 in Warwick. Evelyn and John settled on the Forde farm just east of Warwick. After teaching two more years, Evelyn decided to give up teaching and devote her time to being a farmwife and mother. In 1966 Evelyn returned to teaching when she accepted an elementary teaching position Warwick. She continued teaching while attending the summer sessions at Mayville State College, graduating with a teaching degree in 1972. Evelyn continued to teach in Warwick and later in Tolna until retiring in 1993. After retiring, Evelyn enjoyed traveling, making and selling lefse, gardening, crocheting, attending Bible studies and other church activities, and spending time with her friends and family. Evelyn was a baptized and confirmed member of Warwick Lutheran Church and involved with WELCA, and a member and officer of the Warwick 55 Club. Evelyn's life exemplified her strong faith in Christ. Evelyn's eagerness to share Bible teachings and her singing of hymns will be remembered and held deeply in the hearts of her loved ones.

Evelyn is survived by her son, Roger (Judy) of Lakota; her daughter, Susan Thomas of Melbourne, FL; three grandchildren, Holly Messner of Carrington, Derek Messner of Warwick, and Ryan Forde of Fargo ; and one great-granddaughter, Alexandra Messner of Carrington. She is also survived by her sisters, Olga Kaeding of Roseau, and Dorothy Lillemon of Harvey; her brother, Harold of Dickinson; sisters-in-law, Kay Swenson of East Grand Forks, Marion Swenson of Eagan, Deloris (Byron) Langley of Warwick; and her brother-in-law, Howard Forde of Mandan.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son, Scott; sisters, Alice, Esther, Hilma, and Gladys; and brothers, John and Charles.

Evelyn's Funeral Service will be held at the Warwick Lutheran Church on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Pastor David Nichols will officiate. The music will be provided by Jeff and Karol Kapelle. Interment will be in the Warwick Cemetery . Casketbearers will be Evelyn's family: Judy and Roger Forde, Holly and Alexandra Messner, Derek Messner, and Ryan Forde. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.