Melva Bivens

Melva Norby Bivens, 81, formerly of Fergus Falls, passed away peacefully at her home in Seal Beach, California, on November 2, 2008. She was born June 26, 1927 at Canoga Park, CA, the daughter of Melvin and Pearl Fancher.  Melva completed her education in Los Angles and moved to San Francisco, CA. in the early 1950’s. On June 20, 1952 she married Robert Norby and they resided in San Francisco until moving to Barnesville, MN in 1955.  Melva worked for the Norby Department Store in Fergus Falls in the 1960’s until the store closed in 1975.  She then worked for North Dakota Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Fargo until retiring.  Robert Norby passed away in July of 1997 and Melva relocated to Leisure World at Seal Beach, CA.  On May 26, 2000,  Melva married Bill Bivens. He passed away  in May of 2008.  She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Seal Beach as well as Our Savior’s Lutheran, Barnesville and First Lutheran Churches of Battle Lake and Fergus Falls.  Melva was most happy at Birchwood Shores on Pickerel Lake near Maine.  She was devoted to her children and grand-children.  She enjoyed friends, art, travel and plays. Preceding her in death were her husbands, her parents, and sister, Ruth Grisette.  In addition she was also preceded in death by her grandson, Benjamin Norby. Survivors include her children, Stephen and Brenda Norby of Windom, MN,  Timothy and Marie Norby of Lafayette, LA,  Dave and Joni  Norby of Yorba Linda, CA, and Tracy and Vernon ‘Bubba’ Edison of Mt. Juliet, TN.  She is also survived by ten grandchildren. A Mass for Christian Burial was held on November 6, 2008 at Holy Family Catholic Church in California. A public Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday July 6, 2009 at Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls with a reception to follow at First Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls. Condolences may be sent tothe Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service. They may also be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com