Beloved Mandan Matriarch Virginia Monson Passes at 85, Leaves Legacy

Mandan, ND, USA - Today, we pay tribute to Virginia Y. Monson, who passed away on June 27, 2025, at Edgewood Vista Memory Care in Mandan, ND. At the age of 85, Virginia’s rich life came to an end, marking the loss of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Virginia’s journey began on February 9, 1940, in Marion, ND, as the third of Albert and Helen Manns‘ seven children. Raised on a family farm east of Montpelier, she carried the warmth and connection to family throughout her life.

On May 1, 1960, Virginia married Dale Monson after meeting him at a music festival in Jamestown. Their shared love blossomed into a family, welcoming two daughters, Vickie and Voni. The family moved to Mandan in 1962 for Dale’s career, where they built a life enriched by camping, dancing, and cherished moments with friends. Virginia’s talents shone through her cooking, baking, sewing, and gardening, hobbies that not only showcased her creativity but also brought joy to those around her.

Honoring a Life Well-Lived

Visitation for Virginia will be held on July 1, 2025, from 5 to 6 PM at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan, followed by a Prayer Service at 6 PM. A Celebration of Life service is planned for July 2, 2025, at 11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Mandan, officiated by Pastor Deanna Reikow. Afterward, a burial ceremony will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery at noon, with a community luncheon following the service at the church.

Virginia held numerous roles throughout her career, from working at Bell Telephone to the City of Bismarck, but she often proclaimed that being a mom was her favorite job. Her faith was also an integral part of her life; as an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mandan, she served as an elder and engaged wholeheartedly in church activities. Virginia is survived by her husband Dale; daughters Vickie (Doug) Futrell and Voni (Richard Weatherford) Brothers; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; siblings; and numerous relatives and friends, all mourning her absence while celebrating her legacy.

Trends Changing Funeral Practices

As communities remember beloved figures like Virginia, the funeral industry is experiencing significant changes. According to DFS Memorials, cremation is increasingly becoming the preferred choice, with rates projected to reach 80% by 2030. This shift signifies not just a change in preference, but echoes a broader trend towards more personal and affordable farewell options.

Additionally, many families are turning to eco-friendly funeral alternatives, which align with contemporary values surrounding the environment. There’s also a noticeable move away from traditional funeral norms as families opt for personalized Life Celebration events instead of conventional memorial services. This desire for personalization allows families to reflect their unique identity within the memorials they create.

As funeral homes adapt to meet these new demands, the option for family-led funerals is also gaining traction. Some families are reclaiming the process, finding comfort in conducting their own services, marking a notable shift in how death care is approached today.

This evolving landscape of end-of-life rituals ensures that every life, like that of Virginia Monson, can be honored in a way that resonates with the family’s values and emotions. The tribute to her life also illuminates the broader changes in how we celebrate and remember those we’ve loved.

Virginia’s family expresses sincere gratitude to the staff at Edgewood Vista and encourages memorial donations to be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Mandan or the Alzheimer’s Association. Her enduring spirit and love will surely live on through the many lives she touched.