Selma Clarice Oie

February 17, 1918 - May 26, 2012

Selma (Sally) Oie, 94, passed away on Saturday, May 26th at the Coolidge House in Ephrata, WA. She was born on February 17, 1918, the daughter of John and Julia Meslow Bjerkager, and grew up in Galchutt, ND. Her mother died when she was very young and Sally was raised by both sets of grandparents. Her father remarried and had 2 sons, Jervis and Dennis, whom Sally was very fond of. Sally attended school in Galcutt and met and fell in love with a home town boy, Roy Oie. When Roy was drafted into the Air-force and stationed in California, Sally followed him and they were married in Chico, California March 16, 1944. During this time, Sally worked in a military hospital until Roy was discharged and they returned home to North Dakota. In 1954 Roy and Sally decided to take a trip to California by way of Ephrata, Washington to visit family and friends, where they ended up staying for the next 58 years. Sally was always a homemaker at heart, and one of the best Norwegian cooks in the area. She was happiest making Lefse and Krumkaka. Another favorite hobby was quilting with the ladies from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. They have been making quilts for the needy for many years and until her last days, she was still cutting squares for the next quilt. She loved her church and helped whenever she could. She was a long time member of the Rebekah Lodge and the Sons of Norway. Sally loved little children and baby sat for several working parents. Although she and Roy never had children of their own, One of the little girls that she had from the time she was 7 weeks old, touched their hearts in a very special way and became like a daughter to them. They loved her very much, and little Karen Baker became a large part of their life over the next 52 years. Sally loved people, when you met Sally and she gave you her cute little smile you loved her right back. Those honored to share in her life will never forget her. She is survived by her brother Dennis Bjerkager, her special child Karen Baker, nieces and nephew, Robert (Bridget) Oie, Ross (Karen) Oie, Janet Oie, Linda Oie, Ione (Lawrence) Deal & Dean (Shirley) Oie Kuhloie. Several cousins in North Dakota, very special friends, Stephan and Phyllis Ribble, Arlan and Marlene Larsen, Jill Palmquist, Jo Hoff, Betty Syvertsen from ND, her loving quilting sisters, Rebekah sisters and many friends and neighbors who will miss her. She was preceded in death by her parents Julia and John Bjerkager, her brother, Jervis Bjerkager and her husband of 63 years, Roy Oie. A celebration of Sally's life will be held Saturday, June 2, 2012 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ephrata, WA. Burial will be at a later date in Bethany Cemetery at Galchutt, ND.