Unice L. Forde

Unice L. (Ward) Forde, age 98, long-time resident of Tolna, ND, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024 surrounded by loved ones, at the Nelson County Health System Care Center in McVille, ND.

Unice was born September 7, 1925 in Tokio, ND, the daughter of George and Jessie (Ferrell) Ward.  She grew up in the Tolna area and attended a rural school as well as the Tolna School, where she graduated from high school.  She married Harris Forde on April 9, 1944 and they began to build their life together on the “first farm north of town.”  Unice fondly recalled Saturday night dances with Harris, card parties with friends, and large family gatherings with her extended family in her childhood home at the farm, which was previously owned by her parents and grandparents.  She was active in the American Lutheran Church in Tolna, where she served as a leader in the Ladies Aid.  She also served as a member of the Tolna Senior Center.  Unice loved entertaining her friends and family and always seemed to have a meal ready for any guests that dropped in.  She was curious to hear the stories of the people she knew and met.  She was a great listener and was often sought out for her wealth of knowledge about the community and the family connections in the Tolna area.  Over the years, Unice enjoyed traveling, especially to visit family.  She never failed to express the happiness that family brought her, especially the joy of her 11 grandchildren and 21 greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harris (2004); her brother, Denzil Ward; her 3 sisters, Ursul Johnson, Ura Linda Anthony, and Delores Haas; and son-in-law, Harold Romfo.

She will be deeply missed by her family, including her five children, Linda (Harold) Romfo, Keith (Darlene) Forde, Merle (Michelle) Forde, Gail (Tracy Llewellyn) Nielsen, and Colleen Nelson; as well as her 11 grandchildren, Darla (Vince) Jacob, Jeff Romfo, Jason (Jeannie) Romfo, Steven (Rebecca) Forde, Kent (Katie) Forde, Kevin (Laura) Forde, Amber (Chris) Carroll, Justin (Renee) Forde, Jill (Joe) Ketterling, Alex (Rachel Stehly) Nielsen and Evan Nielsen; and her 21 great-grandchildren, Dannielle and Colton Jacob, Brekken, Adelyn and Karsten Romfo, Calahan, Cheyenne and Eric Forde, Madison, Nora and Beckett Forde, Isabelle and Addison Forde, Treyvon, Asher and Emmie Carroll, Ashlynn, Hayden and Hudson Forde and Jackson and Jade Ketterling.

The Memorial Service will be held at American Lutheran Church of Tolna, ND, on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be in the Tolna Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation in Unice’s name to: The Nelson County Health System Foundation, The Tolna Cemetery Association, or The food bank of your choice