Minnie C. Espedal, 98, former Cranberry grower in Grayland and Montesano resident, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, at Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, Washington.

Minnie was born on Jan. 20, 1921, in Halliday, North Dakota to Dagfin and Gunda (Mathisen) Frafjord. When the Depression hit, the family could no longer profitably farm so they moved west looking for work. They eventually made it to Renton, Washington, then to Aberdeen, Washington, Chehalis and Onalaska. Times were tough and you went where the work was. In 1939, they returned to Aberdeen.

On Nov. 8, 1941, Minnie married Chris Espedal. Chris passed away, March 25, 1996.

Soon after she was married, they moved to Grayland where they owned and operated cranberry bogs for the next 38 years. They then moved to Montesano where she lived for the next 40 years. Minnie moved to Poulsbo two years ago to be near family.

Minnie enjoyed bowling, gardening, quilting, ceramics, hardanger embroidery, knitting, crocheting, and tatting. Most of all, she thoroughly enjoyed family gatherings.

Minnie is survived by a son, Glenn (Anne) Espedal of Marysville, Washington; a daughter, Judy (Charles) Thurman of Port Ludlow, Washington; two grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by brothers: Harold, Ole, Emil and Roy; a sister Ruth Finlayson.

There will be a graveside service on Monday, March 11, at 11 a.m. at Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen, Washington. Following the service, there will be more time to celebrate a long life well lived at the Moose Lodge in Montesano.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Montesano Fire Department (310 E Pioneer Ave, Montesano, WA 98563).

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.