Sandy Rivenes

Sandra (Sandy) Kay Rivenes, West Fargo ND, 78, passed away Friday November 15, 2024 at Sanford North Broadway Hospital from Myelodysplastic Syndrome that even her feisty spirit couldn't overcome. She was born July 11, 1946 in Cooperstown, ND to Oscar and Marvel Stalvik.
Sandy met the love of her life, Clayton Rivenes, at a friend's wedding shortly after he returned home from the Marine Corp. They were married November 23, 1963. They will be laid to rest together on their 61st wedding anniversary. Their oldest son, Clayton Jr., joined the family in 1964. Nine years later, they welcomed another son, Danny. The youngest, a daughter, Christy was born 6 years after that.
Sandy was a homemaker for most of her children's childhood. She rejoined the workforce when Christy was in 2nd grade. She worked in environmental services and retired in 2011 from Sanford Hospital. Her next adventure was going from part time to full time status as Grandpa and Grandma's Daycare. She spoiled and cared for all 6 of her granddaughters. In the last 4 years of Sandy's life, she was thrilled to be a member of her daughter's own Grandma Daycare. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were her pride and joy. She was their biggest fan, and loved every moment she shared with them. She attended every dance show, school and church program, taught them how to play cards, and when they were old enough she didn't hold back on showing them her true card shark skills. Sandy was more than willing to let them dress her up, make snap chat videos with filters on her, hold baby dolls and dinosaurs, and even watch endless hours of Disney and Nickelodeon, regardless if they were with her. She loved being an active participant in anything and everything her family was involved in. Sandy had a grandparent membership at the zoo so the grandchildren could go anytime they wanted. Of course, these trips always included a stop at Dairy Queen. She provided them with anything and everything they ever wanted, including things they didn't even think of.
Sandy will be missed dearly by those who loved her, as well as those who've only known her a short time. She had a gift in making people feel welcome and loved. Everyone she met became an automatic friend to her, and no one left without one of her famous hugs. There wasn't a shopping trip that didn't involve a conversation with family, a friend, or even making a new one while standing in line.
Sandy is survived by her mother, Marvel Mossestad of West Fargo ND; her siblings Bonnie (Norman) Scott of Fargo ND, Cheryl (Dennis) Delamater of Mooresville NC, Janell Schweitzer of West Fargo ND, Oscar Stalvik of Des Moines WA; sister-in-laws Marlys (Don) Schmidt of Fargo ND, Clarice Haats of Green Bay WI; her children, Clayton (Bill) Rivenes Jr. of Fargo ND, Danny (Julie) Rivenes of West Fargo ND, Christy (Cody) Wilmore of West Fargo ND; grandchildren Emily (Pete) Wilson of Billings MT, Bryn Rivenes of West Fargo ND, Taylor (Jamison) Allen of West Fargo ND, Courtney (Ethan) Gerhardson of Moorhead MN, Shaeden Wilmore (Fiance Eli Welter) of Fargo ND, Jocelyn Wilmore of West Fargo ND; great grandchildren Estelle and Reid Wilson of Billings MT, Greyson, Macklan and Colter Allen of West Fargo ND and many nieces and nephews.
Sandy was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton Rivenes, her father Oscar Stalvik, in-laws Martin and Bernice Rivenes, sister Marlene Koski, brother Arlo Stalvik, sister-in-law Gloria Flanders, brothers-in-law Marty Schweitzer, Don Koski and Ted Haats, nieces Juli Rohde Hart, Renae Delamater, Stephanie Schweitzer, nephew Brent Haats, and great nephew Ian Ulmer.
Visitation: Friday, November 22, 2024 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Faith Journey Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND.
Prayer Service: Friday, November 22, 2024 at 7:00 PM at Faith Journey Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND.
Funeral Service: Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Faith Journey Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND.
Interment: Saturday, November 23, 2024 around 1:30 PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.
West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center
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