Sheila E. Gulson

Sheila Elizabeth Alice Gulson, age 88, of Mayville, ND, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, at Luther Memorial Home in Mayville.

Sheila was born on March 19, 1938, to Jim and Hilda (Garton) Cessford in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She was the older sister to two younger brothers, Bob and Jim, whom she diligently worked to keep in line. Sheila graduated from the Royal Alexandra Hospital School of Nursing in 1959 and began her career as a registered nurse. Sheila worked in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta; Whitehorse, Yukon; and Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, before moving to Hatton, North Dakota.

On December 28, 1963, Sheila married Dale Gulson in Edmonton, Alberta. Together they made their home on a farm near Hatton, ND, where they raised their two children, Bradley and Bonnie. Sheila continued her nursing career at Hatton Prairie Village Nursing Home, where she faithfully served for more than 35 years. In 2004, Sheila and Dale moved to Mayville, ND to be closer to their beloved granddaughters.

Sheila enjoyed numerous activities including gardening, traveling, spending time with her dear friends, baking, and of course, shopping! She served as a member of St. John Lutheran Church for over 60 years. Above all else, Sheila enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her three granddaughters, whom she taught to bake, cheered on at their sporting activities, and encouraged through their academic and career pursuits. In the past two years, she truly enjoyed visits with her adored great-granddaughter, Eden Bonnie LeClair.

Sheila is survived by her daughter, Bonnie (Brent) Freeland, Perham, MN; brothers Bob (Bonnie) Cessford, Sherwood Park, Alberta and Jim (Sheila) Cessford, Delta, British Columbia; granddaughters, Bethany (Jake) LeClair, Durham, NC, Erin (Nick) Wilson, Hillsboro, ND, and Abby (Noah) Grove, St. Michael, MN; and great-granddaughter, Eden LeClair.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Hilda Cessford; her husband, Dale Gulson; son, Bradley Gulson; sister-in-law, Maxine Larson; and great-nephew, Chad Demers. 

Visitation: Will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Monday, July 6, 2026 at St John Lutheran Church in Hatton, ND.

Burial: Will be in the St John Cemetery in Hatton, ND.