Florence Minerva (Gesell) Needham, age 85, of Miles City, Montana formerly of Parshall, North Dakota passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at the Friendship Villa Care Center in Miles City.
Florence Minerva Gesell was born on October 27, 1926, the oldest daughter of Rev. George and Effie (Hahn) Gesell. She was born at Bridger, Montana where her father was minister of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. She moved to Parshall, North Dakota with her parents when she was three years old and attended school in Parshall, graduating from Parshall High School. She worked as a Dental Assistant for four years. Florence married Donald Elwood Needham in 1944 at Russell, North Dakota. Florence was the church organist, Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, 4-H leader, Homemaker Club member, and a member of the Cowbelles. She also sold Mary Kay Cosmetics and Trail-et Horse Trailers. Florence’s chosen occupation was that of wife, mother and homemaker. She prided herself in keeping an immaculate house and a well groomed lawn. She was an avid gardener, farm and ranch bookkeeper and grain truck driver at harvest time.
Florence was preceded in death by her beloved husband Donald, her brother Gerald and her parents George and Effie. Florence is survived by her daughters: Judy (Keven) Hurd, AR; Barbara Needham (Kelly Kluver), MT; Teresa Hoven, SD; her sons: Tom Needham, ND; Bruce Needham, HI. Florence was also blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. A great thanks to her goddaughter Mary Solomonson who was loyal and faithful in remembering Florence in her late years.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Central Time at the First Lutheran Church in Parshall, North Dakota. Interment will follow in the Parshall Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Cheryl Smutt says
I am very sorry for your loss. Florence was a very special lady to me. Every time I cleaned her room I would do whatever I could for her and make sure she was not being treated wrongly. We got along really good. My prayers are with you. She will never be forgotten.
Dale George Niewoehner says
My sympathy to your family. You might not know that I was named for Rev. George G. Gesell, since I was born on Rev. Gesell’s birthday – October 6th. He was the pastor of our church at Upham/Russell. Dale George Niewoehner – Rugby