DeLores Mae (Larson)Gilchrist, age 95, passed away quietly April 28, 2021 surrounded by her family.
DeLores was born on January 11, 1926 on the family farm in Hawkeye Township, North Dakota. She was the youngest of children born to Thorsten “Tom” and Inga “Molly” (Reiersgard) Larson. DeLores was baptized and confirmed in the First Lutheran Church of Keene, North Dakota. One of the most memorable events in her early life occurred on July 1, 1935 when a tornado completely destroyed the family farm. She attended 1 st through 8 th grade in a one room country school, and in 1943 graduated from high school in Sanish, North Dakota. DeLores furthered her education by attending Minot State Teachers College and graduated in 1945.
Armed with her teaching certificate, she taught school in several North Dakota schools until the fall of 1951, when she accepted a second grade teaching position with the Glasgow Public Schools. By chance on that same train was fellow teacher from Minnesota, Delores “Dee” Wesen. After being introduced on the Glasgow depot platform they soon became friends. In January 1952, they joined by another new teacher Carolyn “Rosin” Wesen/Muggli. The three of them have remained close friends ever since. They enjoyed getting together and reminiscing.
At a chance meeting in the Johnnie Café, she met the love of her life, Elmer ‘Gil’ Gilchrist. They we married in Wolf Point on august 16, 1954. To this union were born three children: Craig, Nancy and Kevin.
DeLores was proud of her Norwegian heritage. When she had her DNA compiled, it was discovered that she was 100% Norwegian, and DeLores told everyone she knew. True to her Norwegian ancestry, she loved music and singing. Throughout her life she participated in several choral groups including singing for many years in the First Lutheran Church Choir. She also was a talented seamstress, particular housekeeper, great baker and a wonderful cook. At age 91, she moved into Prairie Ridge Village, where she finally enjoyed full retirement by no longer having to cook, clean or do laundry.
She is survived by her children: Craig (Jane) Gilchrist, Nancy (Ken) Marshall and Kevin (Sandy) Gilchrist; grandchildren: Patrick (Christine) Gilchrist, Erin (Todd) Kuhlmann, Thomas (Katie) Marshall, Amy Marshall and Kaleb Gilchrist; great-grandchildren Molly and Gracie Marshall, Amelia, Ella and Isla Gilchrist and Kathryn Kuhlmann; sister-in-law, Fae Ann Gilchrist and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Gil; parents, Tom and Molly Larson; brother, Lynn Larson and sisters, Amy Gudbranson and Jeanette Rolfson.
A celebration of her life will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at the First Lutheran Church in Glasgow, Montana with Pastor Bonnie Novak officiating. Condolences may be left at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Her family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Prairie Ridge Village for the excellent care DeLores received while she was a resident. We also want to thank the staff of Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital for their compassion shown toward DeLores and our family during this difficult time.