Sara “Sally” Ann Whitson, 92, Valley City, ND, formerly of Minot, ND passed away January 26, 2019 at the Sheyenne Care Center in Valley City while surrounded by loved ones.  A time of remembrance will be held at the Lerud Mathias Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 1:00 PM in Valley City. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery, Minot at a later date.

Sally was born August 18, 1926 in Dunn Center, ND to John and Anna (Brown) Berdahl.  She was a graduate of Hazen High School and went on to attend Bismarck Junior College.  While attending school in Bismarck, Sally met Dudley Whitson, and they were married August 7, 1948.

The couple made their home in Bismarck and Sally worked as an assistant to the governor.  As their family began to grow, Sally dedicated her life to raising her family. Dudley’s job as manager of Sweetheart Bakery moved the family to Minot, ND where Sally was involved in many activities.

She was very musical.  She was the choir director at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Bismarck and played the organ for many years at All Saints Episcopal Church in Minot.  Sally was known to play piano and accordion. She also enjoyed writing humorous poetry. Her love of animals was evident with the contributions she made to the National Humane Society.  She and her husband, Dudley, raised Labrador Retrievers and actively participated in the Minot Retriever Club. She was known for her sense of humor and always enjoyed kidding around and having a good time.  

Sally will be missed by her children, Debra (Jim) Hochhalter, Dara (Frank) Bettmann, Joni Whitson, Juli (Phil) Haws, and Wade (Patti) Whitson; 11 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Sara was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers and a sister.

The Lerud Mathias Funeral Home is assisting Sara’s family with arrangements.  An online guestbook is available at www.lerudschuldt.com

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to All Saints Episcopal Church in Minot, ND or a charity of choice.