Mabel J. Verbitsky

Mabel J. Verbitsky, 93, Minot, passed away suddenly on Saturday, February 11, 2023 in her home.
Mabel Jean Zavalney was born on June 13, 1929, the youngest daughter of Mason and Nellie (Zakopyko) Zavalney on the farm near Butte, ND. She was raised and educated in Butte, ND, where she graduated from Butte High School in 1946. She continued her education by earning her Associates Degree in Education from Minot State Teachers' College in 1948. Mabel taught in Kief, ND prior to completing her Bachelor's Degree. After completing her degree, she taught several years in Stanley, ND, Glascow, MT, and Minot, ND.
On November 27, 1958, Mabel was united in marriage to Sam A. Verbitsky. The young couple purchased a home west of Arrowhead Shopping Center, which was then the outskirts of Minot. Mabel continued to teach at Sunnyside Elementary School until she became pregnant and was forced to resign as was the custom of the day. Mabel was a stay-at-home mom until their two children were in school. At that time, she returned to substitute teaching at several area elementary schools.
When Sam retired in 1986, they would often hop in their car and spontaneously travel. Eventually, they ended up visiting nearly every state in the country. They especially enjoyed trips to New Hampshire to babysit their two grandnieces, Alexis and Crystal. Sam and Mabel also welcomed impromptu visits from friends and family. They continued their adventures until Sam passed away on July 3, 2009. Following his death, Mabel continued to live in the same home, which is now in the center of town.
Mabel was an active member of Minot 1st Assembly of God Church (Journey Church). Throughout her life, Mabel was a member of several community clubs, including: Birthday Club and XYZ at First Baptist Church; Birthday Club, Young at Heart, and Women's Ministries at the Assembly of God; and several "cutthroat" scrabble clubs. She also enjoyed crafting, knitting, crocheting, and sewing until she lost her vision due to Macular Degeneration. However, she continued to work with her stunning flower gardens and plants until she passed.
Mabel is survived by:
Son Alan (Laurie) Verbitsky and Daughter Alisa (Rodney) Hartman;
grandchildren:Jessica Hartman, Samee Hartman, Nikolai Verbitsky, Kathryn Verbitsky, and Karena Verbitsky; great-grandson Daniel Carvajal
Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Mabel was preceded in death by her parents Mason and Nellie Zavalney; husband of 51 years, Sam Verbitsky; sister Evelyn Verbitsky and her husband George; brother Ralph Zavalney and his wife Fern; and an infant brother who died at birth.
Visitation: Monday, February 20, 2023 from 4pm until 6pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot
Funeral Service: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 11 am at Journey Church, Minot, ND. The service will be livestreamed and accessed at the link provided on Mabel's web page at www.thompsonlarson.com
Graveside Service: Will take place in June of 2023 at the Butte Community Cemetery, Butte, ND