Irma Bratvold, 89, Ray, died Thursday evening, May 21, 2009, at the Tioga Long Term Care Center, Tioga.

Her funeral services are at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at the Ray Lutheran Church. The Rev. Steve Anderson is officiating and interment is at the Temple Cemetery. Friends are encouraged to send condolences to the family online www.fulkersons.com

Irma Christine Bratvold was born Aug. 28, 1919, to Thure and Clara (Isackson) Billgren near Temple. She was raised and educated in Temple and was baptized and confirmed at the Swedish Lutheran Church, Ray. Irma graduated from high school in Minnesota.

On April 10, 1946, Irma was united in marriage to Ole Bratvold at Temple. The couple established their home near Ray, where they farmed and raised their family. Irma was the head cook for the Ray school system for 34 years before retiring at age 80.

Ole passed away in January 1970 and Irma continued to live in Ray. In January 2009 she entered the Tioga Long Term Care Center, where she has been a resident since. She was a member of the Ray Lutheran Church and their WELCA. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Temple Homemakers and the Ray Senior Citizens.

She was a fantastic cook and a wonderful baker. She was known for her donuts and enjoyed cooking dinners for the harvesters. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting and was always willing to help others.

Irma is survived by her sons, Jerry (Kirsten) Bratvold of Ray and Duane (Connie) Bratvold of Bonney Lake, Wash.; daughter Shirley (Gary) Skarphol of Williston; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ole; son, Arnold; brothers, Carl, Walter, Albin and Eric; sisters, Edith and Goldie and granddaughter, Misty Skarphol.

Friends may call at the Fulkerson Funeral Home in Tioga on Monday from 1-5 p.m. and an hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.