LaVera Mae (Woodring) Edick completed her journey through life on July 6, 2020 at 94 years of age. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 10, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy.

On September 10, 1925, a baby girl was born to Ray and Minnie Woodring.

Minnie instilled in her daughter the value of high work ethics. Her words: “Any job worth doing is worth doing well.”

LaVera’s father, Ray, instilled these words in LaVera Mae’s mind: “God has a plan for each of us. He helps those who help themselves.” Another lesson he taught her, in his words, “You need to learn to be a good loser as well as a good winner – you aren’t going to win all of life’s battles.”

Throughout life, LaVera experienced both the good and the bad, however, she always maintained a positive attitude: “When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.”

She was an accomplished artist and the author of two books, “Four Score and More”, history, memoir and a family legacy and “Cat Tales Kitty Capers & More”. She was a co-founder of Elan Art Gallery and was very active in promoting the arts in the Bismarck-Mandan area. LaVera was a member of the P.E.O., D.A.R., and National League of American Pen Women.

LaVera is survived by a loving family. She leaves five children,  Sharri (Jay) Miles Rubinow, Carolyn Miles Haux, Michael (Sheryl) Massey, Beckie Massey Coleman and Robert A. (Tracee) Edick; three-stepchildren, Jeff Miller, Greg Edick and Laurie and Tammi Edick Buising. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cyrus Raymond Woodring and Minnie Gail (Forester) Woodring; brother, Harold Woodring; and her husbands, Elmer Miles, Floyd Massey, Robert W. Edick and David Edick.

LaVera enjoyed a busy, challenging and happy life. Family always came first.

She is with us today in spirit – asking us not to weep and grieve but to continue your journeys with a special spot in your heart reserved for LaVera. May her love always live with you and keep her alive in your memories.

LaVera was a supporter of the Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown, North Dakota, and would prefer donations be made to the school in lieu of flowers.