Glenora Dalbey

Glenora Doneva Dalbey, age 94, of Fordville, ND, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2024 at the Lutheran Sunset Home in Grafton, ND under hospice care. She was born on June 18, 1930 to Margaret Kroeplin and Albert Anderson and was later adopted by George White. She grew up in Bottineau County where she attended the local one-room schoolhouse before later earning her GED.

On November 24, 1949, Glenora married Daniel Kenneth (Kenny) McLean and together they had two sons. Tragically, Kenny passed away following a car accident. On January 23, 1953, Glenora found love again when she married Harley Dalbey and together, they had five children — one daughter and four sons.

Throughout her life, she was a devoted member of Fordville Lutheran Church and an advocate for children, fostering many over the years with love and compassion. She opened her doors to the children of the Fordville area for many years providing daycare. Glenora worked at the Grafton State School, which is now known as the Developmental Center, for many years. She touched countless lives with her kindness and care.

She was known for her love of life and enjoyed activities like bowling, playing cards, square dancing, and most of all, spending time with her family. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all who knew her.

Glenora is survived by 6 of her 7 children. Her sons Donald (Anne) Dalbey, Noyes, MN; Dennis (Kathy) Dalbey, Fordville, ND; Ronald (Vicki) Dalbey, Emerado, ND; Doyle Dalbey, Fargo, ND; and Scott (Val) Dalbey, Grafton, ND. Her daughter Bonnie (Jerry) Johnson, Esmond, ND. Her daughter-in-law Diane Dalbey, Dana, IN. Her 18 grandchildren – Chris Dalbey, Tiffany (Michael) Downs, Jennifer (Brant) Mcneill, Dixie (Jake) Sele, Dustin (Megan) Dalbey, Shannon Dalbey, Jason (Samantha) Dalbey, Riley (Kayla) Dalbey, Jenae Johnson, Caleb Johnson, Lisa (Kristopher) Jacobson, Darren (Carly) Dalbey, Tyler Dalbey, Jordan Dalbey, Amanda (Tyler) Roth, Matthew Dalbey, Mariah (Connor) Weber, and Taylor Dalbey. She is also survived by her 24 great-grandchildren.

Glenora was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, her son Robert (Bob) Dalbey, two grandsons, two brothers, and sister Ramona Schmidt.

She will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Glenora's legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the countless lives she enriched with her love, generosity, and unwavering faith.

A celebration of Glenora’s life will be held at the Fordville Lutheran Church on June 21st, 2025 at 10:00 am, with burial to follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Oak Grove Cemetery or Fordville Lutheran Church.