Melva Hauge

Melva Ann Hauge, age 87, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home on the afternoon of June 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A proud daughter of North Dakota, Melva’s life was a tapestry of hard work, resilience, and quiet elegance.

A memorial service will take place at 2 PM on Monday, June 30, 2025, at Weigel Funeral Home, 309 4th Ave NW, Mandan. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow the service at the Mandan Moose Lodge, 111 11th Ave NE, Mandan. Burial will be at a later date in Carson, ND.

Born and raised on the family farm/ranch in the hills south of Leith in Grant County, she was crowned Miss Grant County in 1955, a reflection of her poise and vibrant spirit. Melva earned a degree from National College of Business in Rapid City, South Dakota and later earned additional degrees from both the University of Mary and the University of North Dakota. In 1958, Melva married Richard Miller and they made their home in Carson where they farmed/ranched, raised their three children, and ran Miller Implement. 

Melva went on to serve her country through her work with FEMA, traveling across the United States and touching countless lives. Following her retirement from FEMA, Melva worked for her daughter and reluctantly officially retired when she was 82 years old.

Melva had a deep appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship. She loved to garden, knit, and sew and was talented at beading and basket making. She found joy in restoring antique furniture, lovingly bringing timeless pieces back to life and sharing many unique pieces with her children. Her home and her heart were always full—of stories, of warmth, and of projects underway.

A former high school cheerleader and half-court basketball player for the Leith Pirates, Melva carried her love of community and spirited determination throughout her life. She instilled in her children a deep belief in the value of education and made sure all of her kids had a college education.

Melva is survived by her three children, Kevin (Lora) of Fargo and Phoenix, Todd (Carmel) on the family ranch in Carson, and Andra in NW Morton County; and her cherished grandchildren, Joshua, Gabrielle, Jayden, and Addison. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Richard Miller; her parents, Harold and Esther (Rustad) Hauge; and brother, Pete Hauge.

Her family and friends will forever remember her for her sharp wit, her passion for learning, and her unwavering pride in her Norwegian roots.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to hospice nurse, Jillisa with Caring Edge Hospice as well as Rachel and Brandy, for their support and wonderful care of Melva.