Obituary: Harriet Van Lith

Harriet Van Lith

July 18, 1936 -

July 13, 2022

Harriet passed away unexpectedly while living in the Souris Valley Care Center in Velva, N.D. on Wednesday, July 13, 2022.

Harriet was born in New Rockford, N.D., the daughter of Ernest and Lois (Weisman) Hendrickson. They lived in New Rockford, where she attended school. A member of the band, choir, and Rainbow Girls, she was known as "The Happy Hot Rod."

She married Peter Van Lith on June 16, 1955 and lived in Wahpeton and Jamestown, N.D., before moving to Minot in 1960. She was a stay-at-home mom, but went to work after Pete's passing in 1972. She worked at Ann's Plus, The Better Half and Herberger's clothing stores, where she modeled and was featured in the Bismarck newspaper. She was always dressed up and never left the house without her lipstick on. Preceded in death by Eddie Olson of Minot, whom she enjoyed a long-time relationship with.

Harriet was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ for over 50 years and was a member of the choir, Women's Fellowship, served on the Church Council and worked at the Church Bazaar every fall. She valued her membership to the church and developed many long-term friendships.

Harriet loved spending time at the lake – camping or meeting family for a reunion. She loved sharing stories and visiting with everyone she met. Everywhere she went she would run into someone she knew whether it was in North Dakota, Minnesota, or Florida.

Harriet is survived by: Daughter, Debra Kay (Van Lith) Dammen, Eden Prairie Minnesota; Granddaughters, Chelsea Dammen, Maria (Dammen) Anderson and her husband, Colin Anderson and great-granddaughter, Sally Karen Anderson; Son, David (Mary) Van Lith of Minot; Granddaughter, Jessica (Chris) Kwasney; Great-grandchildren, Brandon Peterson, Brett and Taylor Eissinger; Great-great-granddaughter Zachlyn Eissinger; Great-grandchildren, Mariah Kwasney and Blake Kwasney; Great-grandson, Jay (Angela) Allen; Great -granddaughter, Tatum Allen, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Harriet was preceded in death by: her parents, Earnest and Lois (Wiseman) Hendrickson, stepfather, Samuel Prentice; husband, Peter; sisters, Jean Ann Koenig and Marlys Hendrickson, along with her grandparents, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation was held on Wednesday July 20, 2022, from 4 - 6 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home in Minot. Funeral Service was held on Thursday, July 21, 2022, 11 a.m. at the Minot Congregational United Church of Christ. Lunch followed the service in the lower level of the church. To view a livestream of the service or send messages of sympathy please go to thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com. Graveside service was held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 21 at the Prairie Home Cemetery, New Rockford N.D.

Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot entrusted with arrangements.