Evelyn Valentine Burgess of Velva will celebrate her 100th birthday at an open house Saturday, Feb. 14, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Souris Valley Care Center, Velva. Her family will host the event. The family requests no gifts. If unable to attend, cards may be sent to her at the Souris Valley Care Center, 300 S. Main St., No. 209, Velva, ND 58790.
Evelyn was born at Maddock on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 1909. She was the first child of Herman and Anna Rice. She had seven sisters and eight brothers. Eight of her siblings are still living. She graduated from Maddock High School and attended Minot State College.
She taught at a country school six miles from her home. She decided teaching was not her specialty, so she went out to her uncle's dude ranch in Montana, where she helped with the household chores. She moved back to Maddock and later moved to Minot with a friend. Evelyn worked for Montgomery Ward in Minot, where she met her husband, Russell. They were married for 69 years before he died two years ago at the age of 102. They operated outdoor theaters in area communities including Williston, McClusky and Velva. They retired in Velva. They had two children, Ross Burgess, Johns Island, S.C., and the late Ruth Ann Stephenson, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.