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AdaRae Marie Harford, 80, Redfield, passed away March 1, 2016 at the Eastern Star Home in Redfield. Her funeral will be Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Reverend Brian Wasmoen will officiate. Private burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, from 1-7:00 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Thelen-Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield. (www.thelenfuneralhome.com)

I was born to Silas and Arlene (Hawke) Iverson on October 26, 1935 near Frankfort, SD. A couple of days later, I went home to meet my big brother, Daryl and my big sister, Betty. My younger sister Monna joined a few years later. We grew up working hard on the farm. I was always proud of my Norwegian heritage which included the love of lutefisk and lefsa. We didn't have much, but we were thankful for what we did have. I attended country school until 8th grade then I attended Doland High School. While in school, I played the clarinet in the band and sang in the choir. I was a member of the Homecoming Royalty as was my classmate, Governor Harvey Wollman. I graduated as class salutatorian on May 22, 1953.

I decided to become a nurse so I moved to Mitchell, SD to attend the Methodist School of Nursing. I completed my course work on August 19, 1956. It cost around $4,000.00 for my tuition and books for three years. Three days after graduation, on August 22, 1956, I married Delbert (John) Harford. After a short honeymoon to Minnesota, I began my employment with Community Memorial Hospital as a registered nurse. I started out on the night shift working in Redfield with two aides and I made $2.75 per hour. After starting my job as a registered nurse in August of 1956, I received my signed diploma in September of 1956 and I took the State board test. My job at the hospital was very rewarding. My favorite part was helping to deliver the babies and there were plenty of them.

After 17 years at the hospital, I went to work at the old Redfield Clinic. Seven years later, I accepted employment at the Redfield State Hospital and School. I was selected as employee of the month for April and December in 1989. My husband died in May 1989 and I became a widow at the age of 53. I dove into my work. It was my salvation. I worked at the hospital and James Valley as a PRN Nurse during this time. After 22 years and three months, I decided to retire. That didn't last long as I went to work at the Eastern Star Home in Redfield. I always knew that Jesus was helping me out and watching over me.

In my free time, I loved to bake cookies; especially chocolate chip cookies. I also baked bread, rolls, brownies and doughnuts. I loved to bake at Christmas time. I made lots of spritz cookies. My grandchildren loved my homemade potato dumplings. Everyone loved my cooking; wasn't much that I didn't make that they didn't eat...except for lutefisk! I made cookies for shut-ins as well. I loved to go fishing and camping with my family.

My church was an important part of my life. I was baptized, confirmed and married in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. In 1956, I transferred my membership to the American Lutheran Church which two years later became Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

I taught Sunday School and Bible School and was the first woman selected to serve as a Deacon on Church Council. I served on Church Council several terms as well. I was a member of the Altar Guild, the WELCA group, Love Circle, the quilters, the Lioness Club and the Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

In January of 2010, I had a stroke. My life slowed down a bit. I had to make some changes. I was in rehab for 11 weeks and made it back home. In January of 2012, I moved to the Eastern Star Home. While there, I was "active" in everything. I didn't spend much time in my room. I was a social person; a people person. I was a member of the bell choir and the current President of the Nursing Home Resident Council; serving as an advocate for the residents there; especially my table mates. Once a nurse, always a nurse!

I want people to know that I lived a good life and have made wonderful memories along the way. My children were the best memories ever. I taught them to be proud of themselves; to work hard and to pray even harder. I taught them to live one day at a time. I taught them to forgive and move on. I loved my nursing career, I loved to take care of people. I have been blessed!!!

I am home now with my husband, my parents, all my siblings, nieces, nephews and brothers-in-law Virgil Harford and Joe White and countless aunts, uncles, cousins and classmates.

I am survived by my children: Michael (Cindy) Harford of Wagner, SD, Patrick Harford of Redfield, Darcy (Dale Buchholz) Harford of Redfield and Jeffrey (Susan) Harford of West Fargo, ND; my ten grandchildren: Elizabeth (Travis) Kohnen, Christopher (Sandra) Harford, Adam (Amber) Harford, Nathan (Amber) Harford, Timothy Harford, David (Crystal) Harford, Heather (Jake) Hanson, Mathew Harford, Abigail Harford and Nicole Harford. I was blessed with 24 great-grandchildren as well – Great Grama loves all of you very much. I have several nieces and nephews and their extended families; they all meant the world to me as well. I am survived by my brothers-in-law: Wayne (Bonnie) Harford, Gary (Karen) Iverson, and Charles Esser; and my cousins: Lois Iverson, Tom (Beth) Iverson and Annie Iverson.

I have been truly blessed and I am thankful to Jesus for what he has done for me and will continue to do for me and my family. Never forget that your mom, grandma, aunt is all about hugs and kisses and chocolate chip cookies! I love you all and will be here waiting for your arrival. And yes, there will be hot cookies and cold milk waiting for you. Until we meet again! God's blessings to all of you.
Love and hugs,
Your mom, AdaRae Harford, R.N.

Friday, March 04, 2016
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Our Savior's Lutheran Church
1514 East 1st Street
Redfield, South Dakota 57469

Saturday, March 05, 2016
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Our Savior's Lutheran Church
1514 East 1st Street
Redfield, South Dakota 57469