Deilla Larson

Minot

Jesus came to take mom home on March 14, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with multiple health complications. Surrounded by her family, she faced her suffering with grace; never losing her smile, her kindness, or her strength.

Deilla was born in Minot, North Dakota on September 1, 1928, the daughter of Chris and Anna (Miller) Slavick. She spent her childhood traveling across the state as her father worked as a stucco laborer, taking jobs wherever work was available.

She graduated from Minot High School and soon after began a 25-year long career at Ellison’s Department Store. Starting as a clerk, she quickly advanced to management where she also worked as a buyer, travelling to Minneapolis to select the latest trends in women’s fashions.

She met her future husband, Duane Larson, on a blind date arranged by his sister, Joyce. It was the beginning of a journey that lasted 60 years and together they built a wonderful life raising six children, Jody, Larry, Rod, Renae, Pam and Joan.

Although mom had always dreamed of being a florist, she turned her own yard into something more beautiful than any flower shop. She had a gift for making the simplest things look special.

Her love for nature extended beyond her flowers; she found joy in mowing the lawn, lying on the deck and eating cherries under the sun, and pushing her grandkids in a wheelbarrow, always making sure to take them on adventures to the “big rock and lonely tree.”

Through all the love she gave, she was also tough as nails. She had a better shot with a .22 rifle than any of us and could ride a Harley like it was second nature.

She was deeply devoted to her family, cherishing her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved kids. In church, she was more focused on smiling at and playing with the little ones than listening to the sermon.

Though she spent many years on the family farm, she brought that same warmth into her new home at the nursing home. Thanks to Joan and Darrel for always decorating her room for every occasion; surrounded by stuffed animals, plants, family photos, and an ever-present stash of chocolates on her nightstand.

She loved animals, especially her beloved Chesapeake Bay retriever, Chester, who remained loyal by her side, waiting patiently at the top of the deck stairs when she could no longer make the climb down to meet him. She loved feeding the geese, a special tradition she shared with her daughter, Pam. Several times a week, they would visit the parks just to feed them or simply sit and watch. That brought mom joy, where she would peacefully sit among the flock.

A special thank you to Da-Dee, for taking her to see the ocean and the mountains for the first time, for the adventures in the Hollywood hills and on the Las Vegas strip, the Christmas Yacht dinner cruise, Donny and Marie, and the most delightful Ghirardelli chocolate waffle cone she had ever tasted.

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible hospice team, nurses, and especially the CNA’s who became like family. The kindness and care made the last few years of her life feel full of love and friendship. A special thanks to Ken and Darel, who she always thought of as her own sons.

She was loved by so many, especially her daughter Pam. Their bond was unbreakable. From the time Pam was 18 years old, she was by her mom’s side through everything–every high, every hardship, every moment in between. Their love and devotion to one another was unmatched.

Mom, thank you for your wisdom, patience, love, and unwavering friendship. Your strength and light will remain in our hearts forever.

P.S. Boom knica bow wow knica baacka too.

Her loving family includes: children, Jody Hanson, Minot, Larry (Jill) Larson, Minot, Rod (Vickie) Larson, Minot, Renae Williams, Minot, Pam (Steve) Schlosser, Minot and Joan (Darrel) Scofield, Bismarck; 10 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren & 4 great-great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Virginia Slavick, Minot, Jan Slavick, Minot, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Deilla was preceded in death by her parents; husband of nearly 60 years, Duane; brothers, Layman “Bud”, and Elroy Slavick; sister, Maebert Ott; sons-in-law, Dan Hanson & Ken Williams; brother in law, Willis Ott and daughter-in-law, Barb Larson.

Celebration of Life Service: Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 1 p.m. in Our Redeemers Church, Minot

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Those wishing to sign the online memorial register or share a fond memory can go to www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 22, 2025.