Bernice Ruth Atkinson, 97, formerly of Willow City, ND passed away at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home on January 04, 2022.

Bernice was born on May 19, 1924 in the Bottineau Hospital to Charles and Anna (Zimmerman) Hanson of Willow City, ND.

She was raised on the farm near Willow City and graduated from Willow City High School in 1942. She enjoyed her years growing up on the farm and especially enjoyed being with her friends, at times staying in Willow City with them during the winter months of the school year.

After graduation from high school, she traveled to Oceanside, California to join Harlin Atkinson, who was in the Marine Corp stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside. They were married on Easter Sunday April 25th, 1943. They lived in a duplex directly on the beach in Oceanside where she hosted several friends, who also were also in California during the war years. Also while there, Bernice worked at the PX commissary on the Camp Pendleton Base.

Bernice returned to Willow City when Harlin was transferred overseas in 1944. As the war ended Harlin was discharged from the service, and he and Bernice began farming and ranching in the Willow City area while raising 4 children, Jacqueline, Brian, Van, and Lisa. Those were years of picnics, fishing trips, card parties, dances, going to town on Saturday night, and many family get togethers. The family spent one winter in Puyallup, Washington.

Bernice was active on the farm whether it was milking cows, raising chickens, caring for lambs or cooking for the work crews. Raising and showing Appaloosa and Quarter horses, traveling to many horse shows, and holding a public auction of the horses raised on the ranch was another activity she was active in.

She was also a homemaker, and an active member of the Good Neighbor's Club. She designed the house that was built on the farm in 1967. Before flipping houses was a tv show, Bernice purchased a house in Willow City, completely renovated it, and sold it.

For several years Bernice was owner and operator of the Waterhole Bar in Willow City. It was where lots of card playing took place and where Bernice made stew suppers for hunters and snowmobilers at various times.

She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Willow City and proud of the fact that her grandfather was one of the founders. She was active in the community and an avid bingo and whist player.

In her later years Bernice enjoyed her family, company, and her dog while watching all the activity on the farm.

Bernice is survived by daughter, Jacqueline Fecho, (Loren) Willow City, ND, sons Brian Atkinson (Jodi) Bottineau, ND, and Van Atkinson (Susan) Willow City, ND, daughter Lisa Atkinson, Bottineau. ND. Grandchildren Renata Prellwitz, (Gary) Lyndon Station, WI, Brandon Fecho (Lori) Willow City, ND, Blaine Fecho (Dawn) Minot, ND, Tyler Atkinson (Krystall), Bismarck, ND, Burton Atkinson (Erica), Minot, ND, Charles Atkinson (Brynn) Bismarck, ND, Spencer Atkinson (Miranda) Willow City, ND, Cole Atkinson, (Gretchen) Bismarck, ND, Casey Atkinson, (Amy) Fargo, ND, Maxwell Peterson, Bottineau, ND; great grandchildren: Lauren Prellwitz, Ty Domben, Darian Casavant, Maren Fecho, Gage Fecho, Bailey Fecho, Austin Fecho, Kenzie Fecho, Evan Atkinson, Parker Atkinson, Luke Atkinson, Keaton Atkinson, Weston Atkinson, Clara Atkinson, Scarlett Atkinson, Leroy Atkinson, Lyra Monson, Julian Lugar, Connor Atkinson, Gemma Atkinson, Ace Atkinson and great-great grandchild, Cutter Casavant.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 69 years, brother, Marvin Hanson, and great grandchild Adam Atkinson.

A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2022. Interment will be at the Willow City Memorial Cemetery later in the spring.