Alma Davis

Alma Vernice Davis, age 88, of Crookston, MN, died peacefully late Sunday evening, December 28, 2014, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, with her loving family at her side. Alma Johnson was born on February 11, 1926 at Holt, MN, one of seven children of the union of Gilbert and Clara Johnson. She grew up at Holt and attended school there. On November 23, 1945 Alma was united in marriage to Ernest H. Davis at Halma, MN. Alma and Ernest made their first home at Warren, MN where she and her sister owned the Spot Café and he worked as a heavy equipment operator. They later moved to Grand Forks and then in the early 1960's to Crookston with daughters, Rosemary and Ramona. Alma helped with the potato harvest for a few years and eventually became one of the first employees to work at the new potato processing plant in Crookston called Jiffy Fry. The company later became known as J.R. Simplot. After a fire caused the company to shut down local operations, Alma began employment with the housekeeping department of Riverview Hospital. She retired in 1980 due to health issues. Ernest passed away on August 26, 1987. Throughout her life one of Alma's favorite pastimes was "digging in the dirt" and growing beautiful flowers that were the envy of the neighborhood. She looked forward to spending time with her family, baking for them, and embroidering towels for 'everyone'! She spoiled her pet kitty called "Kitty", and considered her to be a part of the family as well. Alma was baptized at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Crookston and dedicated her life to their work and all of the wonderful friendships she formed there. Her love for her family was unconditional and through her faith Alma lived a life of quiet strength, tenderness, and wisdom. May her memory be blessed. Alma's family members include her daughter and son-in-law, Rosemary and Larry Gruhot of Crookston, MN; Nancy Pilger of Willow River, MN, who she considered to be a daughter; a son-in-law, Julius "Jib" Shimpa of Erskine, MN; 8 grandchildren: Renae (Dan) Sistad of Fosston, MN, Robert (Margaret) Shimpa of Hutchinson, MN, Julie Gund of Lumberton, TX, Joy Larson of Crookston, Heather (Blaine) LeNoir of Grand Forks, ND, Heidi (Clifford) Mann of Phoenix, AZ, Holly (John) Evitts of Roseau, MN, and Nick Gruhot of Crookston; 16 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In addition to Ernest, her beloved husband of 41 years, Alma was preceded in death by her daughter, Ramona "Dollie" Shimpa; parents, Gilbert and Clara; and 6 siblings: Clifford and Olaf Johnson, and Gertie Robison, Polly Peterson, Gilma Boucher, and Anna Flake. A memorial service celebrating the life of Alma Vernice Davis will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, January 2, 2015, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1727 Widman Lane, Crookston, MN, with Larry Peterson, presiding. Online registry:

www.stenshoelhouske.com







Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Thursday, January 2, 2014