Floyce Cummings, 96, of Mesa, AZ (formerly of Valley City, ND), passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 13, 2025. She and her sister Yvonne Cronquist were fortunate to have spent the past year together at Legacy House Assisted Living.
Floyce was born in Clifford, ND on October 31, 1929 to parents Bruce and Ruby Johnston Smith. She moved to Hunter, ND when she was 10, where she graduated from high school, followed by studies at Jamestown College (ND) where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English. She married Kent B. Cummings on August 12, 1951. Floyce taught school in Buchanan, ND before having an “extended maternity leave”, as she described it, as their home was blessed by five children.
Floyce was involved in a wide variety of activities, including PEO (a women’s organization), ministries in the Epworth Methodist Church (Valley City), knitting prayer shawls, and volunteering at the nursing home where she led a rhythm band. She lived a life marked by love and kindness, as a devoted mother, wife and grandmother who always put others before herself.
She was known for her clever sense of humor, warm smile, strong faith in God, generosity and classy look. She was a great organizer, and enjoyed knitting, quilting, cooking, entertaining, family get togethers, music, and dancing, as well as composing and reciting poetry. She will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Floyce was preceded in death by K.B. (Kent), her husband of 53 years, her daughter Dr. Diane Persellin, and her daughter-in- law Lanelle Langton Cummings. She was survived by her sister Yvonne, children Beth Osland (Harry), John Cummings (Teri), Sarah Wolbert (Rich), Jean Dallenbach (Jeff), and son-in-law Dr. Robert Persellin, as well as 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grand- children, and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for the end of January 2026 at the Apache Wells Community Church, Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Convoy of Hope (Assemblies of God) and the University of Jamestown.