Published February 20, 2013, 12:00 AM

Shirley Ann Melbostad

Shirley Ann Melbostad, 77, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, February 17, 2013. Shirley was born on August 29, 1935, the eldest daughter of Donald Sr. and Aldora (Johnson) Boushee of East Grand Forks, Minnesota. She graduated in 1954 from Central High School in Grand Forks, and married the late Charles Melbostad that August. They had five children that were raised on rural Rhinehart Dr. in EGF. Shirley worked at the J.R. Simplot Co. (Grand Forks) for over 40 years and retired in 2007 at 71 years of age. She loved her country homes and gardens and she filled much of her time decorating, gardening, ceramics, and shopping. But mostly loved gathering with family and friends over good eats, lots of treats, laughing chatting and laying. Her last years she enjoyed her grands and greats and loved caring for them part time and taking in their activities. Shirley is survived by 4 of her 5 children and their spouses: Michelle(Gerry) Erickson, West Fargo, ND; Tami(Bob) Strandell, Fisher MN; Danny Melbostad, Elizabeth, MN; and Jeff Melbostad, Denton, TX; 13 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren; brother, Donald (Dorothy) Boushee, Jr., Grand Forks; sister, Diane (Bernie) Strebig; son-in-law, Paul Flaa, Denton, TX.

She is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Melody; and granddaughter, Summer. Also her long time companion Jim Bakke. Shirley's Celebration of Life gathering will be held at 6:00 PM, Thursday, February 21st at the Eagles Club, (227 10th Street NW) in East Grand Forks. A spring burial is planned at Calvary Cemetery in Grand Forks. Services provi