Vivian Barton

Vivian Arlone (Vigness) Letnes Barton, 91, of Crookston, MN, died peacefully late Monday evening, February 13, 2012, at the Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home in Crookston. Vivian was born to Emil and Mable (Aker) Vigness on August 5, 1920, at their home near Nielsville, MN. She grew up in the rural Nielsville-Climax area and attended Climax High School. Vivian continued to live at home until her marriage to John "Jack" Letnes in June of 1939. Vivian and Jack lived and farmed in Andover Township, near Crookston, and together raised their son, Gary. Sadly, Jack passed away on August 30, 1958. Vivian later married Ralph Barton, and they made their home in Jamestown, ND. Following Ralph's death Vivian moved to Crookston, living in the Summerfield Apartments until becoming a resident of the Villa in February, 2011. She was a longtime member of Climax Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aid; and also held memberships in the Royal Neighbors, Red Hat Society of Crookston, and the Eagle's and Elk's Auxiliaries. Vivian was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and the recipient of a 50 year pin, symbolizing her length of service to the Order. When not active in these organizations, she was well-known for the fantastic pies she baked for family and friends. Vivian enjoyed doing embroidery, and cooking dinner for the harvest crews during her days on the farm. She delighted in dressing in one of her many nice outfits, accessorized by a favorite piece of jewelry, and going out for special occasions. Her love for country music was exemplified by her numerous trips to Nashville, TN, where she saw many famous artists in concert; Patsy Cline, Wanda Jackson, Eddy Arnold, and George Jones, to name a few. Vivian was a very devoted and caring wife to Jack and Ralph, a wonderful mother and mother-in-law to Gary and Nancy, and a loving grandmother to Lisa, David, and Nicole. May God richly bless Vivian's memory. Vivian leaves her son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Nancy Letnes of Crookston; three grandchildren, Lisa (Tim) Bender of Bemidji, MN, David (Yolanda) Letnes of Eagan, MN, and Nicole Letnes of Seattle, WA; a sister-in-law, Alveria Vigness of Grand Forks, ND, and other relatives. In addition to her husbands, Jack Letnes and Ralph Barton, Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Mable Vigness; and a brother, Lester Vigness. The funeral service celebrating the life of Vivian Letnes Barton will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 17, 2012 at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, with The Rev. Joy Grainger, officiating. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the service. A public Order of Eastern Star service will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Berget Cemetery, rural Climax, MN.

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Service
Friday, February 17, 2012
cemetery
Friday, February 17, 2012