Obituary: Maxine Byrum

Maxine I. Byrum, 92, New Rockford, N.D., passed away Friday, Feb. 14, 2020 in the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 19 at St. John's Catholic Church in New Rockford. Burial will be at the St. John's Catholic Cemetery. Officiating the service were Fr. Bernard Pfau and Fr. Reese Weber. Special music was provided by Heather Klocke and Kerstin Allmaras. Casket bearers included grandsons Troy Lura, Travis Lura, Aaron Lura, Brock Lura, Tyler Lura, Cody Byrum and Brody Byrum.

Maxine was born June 29, 1927 in Kenmare, N.D., to Sarah and Albert King. She attended grade school at Coulee, N.D., and one year of high school at Donnybrook, N.D. and the three years at St. James Academy in New Rockford where she graduated from high school.

She married Ralph Byrum "Barney" in 1946 at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Stanley, ND. They made their home in New Rockford. Ralph died in May 2006.

Maxine worked at the City Hospital as a nurse's aide and also worked as a teacher's aide at St. James Grade and High School for 11 years. She managed the North Dakota Steam Threshers Cook Car for over 30 years. She was a Tupperware dealer for many years and won several awards for being the outstanding sales lady. Maxine also enjoyed doing crafts and attending many fairs and shows.

Maxine was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was an active member on the Church Council and supported the Right to Life. Maxine's children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. She prayed daily for their safety and good health and instilled in them a deep love for their faith. She was a wonderful role model and a great cook, known especially for her homemade baked buns and bread.

Maxine is survived by her seven children, Janice (Larry) Lura, Carrington; Darnell (Philip) Lura, Carrington; Bruce (Becky) Byrum, Spearfish, S.D.; Bonnie (Dan) Smith, Custer, S.D.; Steve (Diane) Byrum, Mayville, N.D.; Randy (Susan) Byrum, Beulah, N.D., and Daren (Michelle) Byrum, Harwood, N.D.; one sister, Devonne Anderson, Mountain Terrace, Wash.; 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ralph; four brothers: Jerome, Harold, Howard and Thomas, and two sisters Marguerite Anderson and Elaine Wick.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, North Dakota.