Gloria Ione Lee, 94, of West Fargo, ND, passed away on November 3, 2026 at Sanford Hospice House with her daughters at her side.

Born on September 7, 1932 on the family farm South of Badger, Minnesota to Alfred and Minnie Thompson. She attended a country grade school near there and graduated from Badger High School in 1950.

Gloria soon met Albert Lee and they were married November 15, 1951. They made a life together on the family farm by Ross, Minnesota. Gloria was the epitome of a farm wife. She did everything from milking cows, driving truck, and and bringing lunch out to the field. She bottle-fed calves and lambs and adopted the stray cats that would show up on the farm. She was an expert lutefisk and lefsa maker and taught that skill to her daughters and granddaughters (the lefse anyway). She also worked as a nurse aide at the Budd Hospital in Roseau until she began raising her family.

Gloria was a caregiver all her life, from her work at the hospital to taking care of her aging parents and husband. She enjoyed her nieces and nephews who often spent time at the farm in the summers.

Travel was a highlight for Albert and Gloria. They especially enjoyed bus tours and made many long-lasting friendships.

Gloria was an active member of Concordia Lutheran Church, Ross, Minnesota her whole life. She made countless quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Many people in need around the world are being comforted by her quilts. She looked forward to gathering with her neighbors in the Sunshine Club and enjoyed many years of laughter, coffee, and lasting friendships. Above all else, Gloria will be remembered for her kindness, listening ear, and making everyone she was around feel at home.

Gloria moved to New Perspectives Senior apartments with her 2 cats September, 2023 and made many friends. Her close friend, Charlotte, brought her such joy and Melissa was her favorite puzzle partner! She loved Bingo, exercise class, puzzles and having coffee with the ladies in the Bistro.

Gloria is survived by her daughters, Nancy (Dan) Johnson and children, Joshua (Lisa) Johnson, Bryce (Kate) Johnson and Kelsey Sondreli; Janice (Royce) Larson and children, Jared (Kayla) Larson and Tyler Larson; daughter-in-law, Connie Lee (wife of Gloria's late son, Steven) and children, Tara (Derek) Ellenson, Jessica (Dave) Simmons, Erin (Ryan) Murray and Kya (Daniel) Halstensgard; and 16 great-grandchildren, Blake, Orion, Forest, Morgan, Nash, Abigail, Nolan, William, Olivia, Samuel, Eve, Cameron, Kelly Wayne, Noralaine, Landon, and Everly.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; son, Steven; and siblings, Audrey Stoe and Dale Thompson.

The Celebration of Gloria's Life will be Saturday, November 14, at 1:30pm at Horace Lutheran Church, Horace, ND with visitation one hour prior.

Burial at a later date will be at Concordia Lutheran Church, Ross, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Cats Cradle, Fargo, ND, Sanford Hospice House, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home - Fargo, ND