Mavis Stearns
Mavis V. Stearns was born on June 15, 1933, in Valley City, ND to Carl and Esther (Anderson) Olson. She passed away peacefully at SMP Health - St. Raphael under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley on January 17, 2024, at the age of 90.
Mavis grew up on the family farm with three brothers and one sister. She attended Brown school, a one room schoolhouse, and Valley City High School. Mavis continued her education in Wahpeton, ND earning an LPN degree. After graduating from nursing school, she moved to Vincennes, Indiana, where she worked at a local hospital. Shortly thereafter, she moved back to Valley City, where she married John R. Hatcher of Vincennes, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Mavis continued nursing at both Mercy Hospital and Sheyenne Care Center, doing what she was most gifted, providing compassionate care. Later years folks would reminisce about their wonderful care they received from her. Mavis and John raised five sons and one daughter.
Mavis married Tom Stearns of Leal, ND and they made their home in Valley City. They owned and operated the Diner & Den restaurant, providing homemade meals, including her famous buns, pastries, and soups. After Tom’s passing Mavis continued her love of caring for others through home healthcare. She held a special place in her heart for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, always enjoying their visits.
Mavis will be remembered as a kind and compassionate lady, always putting the needs of others before herself.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Charles, Dennis, Ronald Olson and Jarl Maasjo; husband Tom; son John Carl; granddaughter April Hatcher; grandson Wyatt Hatcher; great granddaughter Lindsae Hatcher and great grandson Bryson Cooper ‘Ball’.
Mavis is survived by her sister Bonnie Olson and sister-in-law Carol Olson, both of Valley City. Four sons Wade, Mark (Rose), Faron and Rob Hatcher; daughter Sharissa (Rollie) Hochstetler, all of Valley City. Several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by Tom’s family.
The funeral service for Mavis will be held at 2 pm Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Valley City. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be in the spring at Memory Gardens.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City. An online guestbook is available atwww.olivernathanchapel.com