Holly Geneva (Dahl) Washburn, aged 67, died peacefully in her sleep at her home in rural Watford City, ND, on Sunday, November 26, 2017.

Holly Geneva (Dahl) Washburn was born on August 31, 1950 in Williston, North Dakota, the youngest child of Norman and Mildred (Wold) Dahl. The family made their home in Watford City where she attended school through grade 12, graduating in 1968 from WCHS. Later she graduated from Moorhead State University with a degree in education.

As a young lady she enjoyed helping out on the farm and developed a fascination for horses. This led to her competing in Rodeo for several years. Holly started her teaching career in Montana and followed that with 24 years in Medora, North Dakota. While in Medora, she started a bumper car business which occupied her time between school years. She was also active in civic affairs.

Holly returned to her home town of Watford City and taught for two more years and then in Mandaree for one year. As a retiree, she enjoyed golfing and bowling, was active in bell Choir, Church Choir, and was hooked on gardening.

In 2006 Holly met a man who shared her love of gardening and it would lead to her marriage to Dale Washburn on December 26, 2007, which was also her parent’s anniversary. They initially made their home in Watford City and later moved to the farm in a new home. Rumor has it they supplied vegetables and canned goods to their families and half of McKenzie County. Their farm was also home to dogs, cats, horses and Black Angus cattle.

The only time there was a divided household it revolved around their loyalties to their favorite NFL teams. Holly was a lifelong Vikings fan and Dale was a Packer backer. When those two teams met it provided for an interesting household. One of their favorite trips was to Green Bay to see Brett Favre return in a Viking uniform. Once again, Holly won out.

In her later years, she was very proud of the fact that in getting married she also became a mother and grandmother. Her generous spirit, caring attitude and sense of humor were enjoyed by her new family in the same way she had affected people her entire life. At the same time she could be tough when it was warranted.

Holly is survived by her husband, Dale; sister, Myrna of Bismarck, ND; brother, Curtis of Hettinger, ND and his family. Also, her nephews, Norman (Amy) Dahl of Mandan, ND and Chuck Dahl of Bismarck, ND and their families. Brett Washburn of Alpharetta, GA and Heather Washburn of Portland, OR are her legally adopted children. Three Washburn grandchildren also survive her.

Holly is also survived by sister-in-law Denise Grantier and brother-in-law Chris (Marcia) Washburn, aunt Nyla Dahl and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Holly was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Mildred Dahl and in-laws, Lyle and Anne Washburn.