Judith "Judy" Verwest

Judith (Judy) Marie Verwest, age 85 Mayville, ND (formerly Finley, ND) passed away on July 17,2025.

Judy was born March 31, 1940 in Mayville, ND to Knut and Alma (Swenby) Soholt. She grew up on the family farm southeast of Mayville, and attended school at Mayville Township School #1 through 8th grade; she continued her education at Mayville Public School graduating in 1958.

She met the love of her life through one of her teachers that was also a relative of Bob’s. Knowing both of them she thought they would make a good pair. Judy started writing to Bob while he was in the service and they were married on October 18,1958 in Mayville. This was the beginning of a love story that lasted almost 65 years. They had three children Shari, Scott and Mark.

Judy worked at the County Extension Office in Finley a few years before starting their family. She stayed home to raise their 3 children and help out on the farm. She drove combine for many years. Then in later years she worked at Flowers and More in Finley for several years. In her younger years she enjoyed bowling and was on a local league. Later she grew to love the game of bridge, and was very active in their bridge club. Judy taught Sunday School and was President of WELCA for many years. She loved the outdoors. Having a perfectly mowed lawn was very important to her. She spent many hours a week on her lawn mower. Judy was a bird watcher. She loved nothing more than to watch her wrens, orioles, gold finches and others eat out of the feeders she always had full. Her greatest joy was her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved family gatherings (which always involved a family picture) and attending everyone’s various activities.

She will be remembered for her kind and giving heart, beautiful smile and unending baked goods. Her freezer was always full of goodies, and the coffee was always on.

Judy is survived by her three children: Shari (Keith) Palmer, Sharon, ND, Scott (Valerie) Verwest, Argusville, ND, Mark (Susan) Verwest, Portland, ND. Grandchildren: Brady (Hilary) Palmer, Shawn (Lyndsay Burns), Taylor (Ben) Cigelske, Hailey (Joe) Strauss, Paige (Taylor) Kyllo, Jacob, Justin and Hadley Verwest. Great grandchildren: Owen, Harrison and Quinn Palmer, Rory and Riley Cigelske, Grady and Brooks Strauss. Brothers-in-law: Hadley Verwest and Donald Gilbertson, sister-in-law: Donna Jean Verwest and eight nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Bob Verwest, parents: Knut and Alma Soholt, in-laws: Hadley and Margit Verwest, sisters: Maxine Strom, Karen Gilbertson and Linda Lande, brothers-in-law: Mervin Karlstad, Nolan Verwest and James Lande, nephews: Todd and Bruce Karlstad.

Blessed be the memory of Judy Verwest.

Visitation: Will be 5–6 PM with a 6:00 PM public prayer service on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: Will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at the Finley Lutheran Church in Finley, ND.

Burial: Will be in Finley Cemetery in Finley, ND.