Melissa A. Gillett

Melissa A. Gillett, age 54, resident of rural Tolna, ND, passed away Thursday, January 6, 2022 in rural Tolna.

Melissa Ann (Berry) Gillett was born July 31, 1967 in Mayville, ND, the oldest of three daughters of Peggy and Jerry Wardius.  The main part of her childhood was spent in Cheyenne, WY.  After her parents' divorce, she returned to her family's hometown of Tolna, ND with her mom and two sisters (Krysta and Becca) and lived with Grandma and Grandpa Ward.  With the love and strength of their mother, the three sisters had an unbreakable bond.  Her teenage years were spent in Norman, OK where she graduated with honors from Norman High.  She attended Oklahoma University with a full academic scholarship.  She then started her military career with the United States Air Force where she served proudly as a Telecommunications Operator.

On July 25th 1988, she married the love of her life, Tim, in Rapid City, SD.  Tim and Melissa began their life together in Tolna where they raised two beautiful daughters, Kirstie Noel and Shelby Marie.  Melissa was a pillar of the Tolna community serving as a volunteer EMT, treasurer of the Tolna Cemetery Improvement Association, active member of the American Lutheran Church, a generous donor to many local groups, and a Nelson County Social Services board member.  In both of her positions at Farmers and Merchants State Bank and Wayne Stubson All-Risk Crop Insurance, Melissa was dedicated and committed to serving others.  She was a friendly face for all.

Melissa had a love for music of all kinds, especially Rock n Roll.  She enjoyed attending concerts with her sisters, traveling and spending time with her beloved friends and family; especially her three grandsons, Oliver, Tripp and Leo.  Melissa was a proud wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend who loved everyone unconditionally.

Melissa will be greatly missed by her husband, Tim Gillett of Tolna, ND; two daughters, Kirstie (Joey) Syverson of Lakota, ND and Shelby (Trey) Gillett of Devils Lake, ND; two sisters, Krysta (Ron) Hopson of Norman, OK and Becca (Jeremy) Weber of Tolna, ND; two brothers-in-law, Dale (Carolyn) Gillett of Devils Lake, ND and Kevon (Lisa) Gillett of Tolna, ND; three grandsons, Oliver and Tripp Syverson and Leo Lovcik; mother-in-law, Bonnie Gillett of Tolna, ND; as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, cherished friends and beloved animals.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandmother and grandfather, Gen and Welly Ward; father-in-law, Roger Gillett; and special family friend, Paul Reeves.

The Memorial Service will be held at American Lutheran Church of Tolna, on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.  Visitation will be at the church on Friday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Burial will be in the spring at the Tolna Cemetery.

To celebrate Melissa’s love for music we invite you to wear your favorite concert t-shirt to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name are preferred to North Dakota Women’s Network, To Write Love On Her Arms, Tolna Cemetery or American Lutheran Church.  A memorial scholarship fund will be started in her honor.

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