Irma Mae (Swartout) Ness of Valley City, ND, age 94, died of natural causes in her son’s home in Woodbury, MN on January 18, 2021. She was born April 9, 1926 in Sanborn, ND to Earl and Nina Swartout. Irma graduated from Valley City State Teacher’s College with a degree in Education and taught high school for 44 years in many communities including, Valley City, Wheatland, Sharon, Tower City, Eckelson, Luverne, Hope, Hannaford, Tappen, Gackle, Sykeston, and Souris. During her career, she taught Home Economics, English, Chemistry, and Physical Education. She also was director for high school plays, cheerleading, lunch programs, annual staff, school paper staff, and sports concessions. After retiring from teaching, Irma started a second career working at the Valley City Barnes County Public Library for more 25 years where she retired at the age of 91.
Irma was a member of the Congregational United Church in Valley City ND, served on the Valley City State College Library Board, and was a member of the ND Retired Teachers Association. She received the Retired Teacher’s Silver Apple Award for dedication and service to the Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed cooking and many of her recipes can be found in local fundraising cookbooks. She also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, quilting, and embroidery. But perhaps most of all she was involved in sports her entire life. Her late husband Robert Ness, Sr. coached girls’/boys’ basketball and football and she kept the books for every game and supervised the cheerleaders. Even at 94, she would always have a game on her TV.
Irma is survived by her son Robert, Jr., (Sumitra); granddaughter, Samantha; sister, Vera Aalgaard and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Ness Sr.; sister, Fae; brothers, Sherwin and Quinn; and grandson, Michael.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 30, 2021 at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Lerud Mathias Funeral Home, 515 Central Ave N, Valley City ND 58072. (701) 845-3232. An online guestbook and tribute page can be found on their website, www.lerudschuldt.com
In lieu of flowers or memorials, Irma’s family requests donations to the Valley City Barnes County Public Library at https://vcbclibrary.org/how-to-help/donate.html or Valley City Barnes County Public Library, 410 North Central Ave, Valley City, ND 58072 or the Congregational United Church, 217 4th St. NW, Valley City ND. 58072.