Genevieve “Gen” Ward, 93, of Tolna, ND passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at her home in Tolna.

Genevieve A. Christofferson was born December 28, 1917 in Devils Lake, ND, the daughter of Charles and Anna (Stenseth) Christofferson. She attended grade school in rural Benson County, high school at Hamar High School, and college at Mayville State where she received her teaching certificate. She taught a few years in local country schools and Tolna Public School. She was a member of American Lutheran Church all her life where she was active as a Sunday school teacher, Luther League advisor and Ladies Aid officer. She married Wellington Ward, Jr. on December 15, 1940 at Devils Lake, ND. She and her husband held positions of postmaster, clerk, and postmistress in the U.S. Post Office at Tolna for most of their married life. Gen enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In earlier years when Welly was still alive they spent time fishing, bowling, gardening, traveling, visiting and playing cards with family. Gen enjoyed sewing and sharing ideas & recipes with her sister Joy. Over the years they have made dozens of afghans for their families and friends. Gen was a charter life member of the Tolna American Legion Auxiliary Unit #162. In later years she loved to play cards with family, playing bingo at the Tolna Senior Center and at Spirit Lake Casino with daughter Peggy, niece Unice and friend Don. Within the last few months she mentioned to her son Lynn that a few remaining interests were church, family and bingo. Gen had her priorities right, even the last two evenings of her life here on earth she had the fun of playing bingo at Spirit Lake with her son Dean.

Gen will be greatly missed by her children, Lynn (Joanne) Ward, Peggy Wardius and Dean (Linda) Ward; grandchildren, Paul (Jolly) Ward, Patrick Ward, Melissa (Tim) Gillett, Krysta (Ron) Hopson, Rebecca (Jeremy) Weber, Thaine (Marciene) Swanson, Travis Martinson, Chelsea Sylvester, Zhenya (Daren) Hansen, Torrie Ward, Taylor Ward and Tucker Ward; great grandchildren, Sarah, Sharon, Samantha, Skyla, Kirstie, Shelby, Skye, Sierra, Canyon, Dylan, Riley, Ashton, Mikala, Logan, Courtney, Wellington, Zachary, Jaden and Abbygail; sister Joy Ward; sister-in-law Marlene Christofferson; many nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren; along with her faithful friend Comet.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son-in-law Jerry Wardius, brothers Lester, Elwood, Orlo and Donald.