Maybelle Nerby

(September 29, 1936 – November 20, 2025)

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What a wonderful and joyous day for her!  I can just imagine her in heaven!

Maybelle (Stensos) Nerby was born September 29, 1936 in Williston, ND, the daughter of Martin and Nanna (Jorgenson) Stensos.  She was skilled in many areas and worked for the hard to provide for her family in many capacities.

Part of her work ethic brought her into many different occupations such as working as a payroll clerk for the school district, working many positions for a local farmer and the park district.  She was always ready to do what needed to be done.

She was a strong, independent woman whose presence filled every room she entered.  She loved people—whether chatting with a friend or meeting someone new.  She could strike up a conversation with anyone and her sense of humor made her an instant friend to many.  Her jokes laughter and quick wit brought joy everywhere.

She was always telling stories that filled our imaginations and made us feel safe, loved and entertained.  Those stories became treasured memories that we will hold close to our hearts forever.

She was always busy doing something.  She loved to read for fun and to learn, often finding comfort, inspiration and escape in books.

She worked hard throughout her life, always leading with determination and grace.  Her hands were rarely still.  She loved to quilt and sew, creating beautiful handmade gifts that touched the hearts of everyone lucky enough to receive them.  Her creativity was matched only by her generosity.  Above all, she loved her children fiercely.  Her guidance, laughter and strength shaped our lives in ways that will never be forgotten.

Mom leaves behind a legacy that will continue to warm us, like her quilts, for years to come.

Maybelle is survived by her children Wade (Carla) Nerby, Shane (Denise) Nerby, Heidi (Darren) Storstad and Kip Nerby, 9 grandchildren, Josh Nerby, Cody Nerby, Erin (Todd) Bowles, Chantel (Trevor) Linton, Hailee (Johnathan) Viekman, Taylor Nerby,  Lindsay (Cullen) Kennedy, Landen Storstad, Tillie Storstad; 10 great grandchildren Ashlyn Bowles Cambri Bowles, Brynnlie Bowles, Isaac Awes, Zane Awes, Haakon Linton, Winnie Linton, Penelope Kennedy, Phinehas Viakman, Rubeus Viekman, siblings James Stensos, Ann (Art) Anderson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Maybelle was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Nanna, her son Dean Nerby and 4 siblings Agnes (Howard) Mischke, Helen (Roger) Hartgrove, Marilyn (Dave) Peterson, Evelyn Stensos, sister-in-law Sheryl (James) Stensos and daughter-in-law Carla (Wade) Nerby.

Memorial Service: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Norman Funeral Home in Grand /forks, ND

Visitation: one hour before service time in the funeral home.

Burial : Evanger Cemetery rural Grand Forks, ND.