Leslie Tooke, age 61 of Souris, died Thursday at a May 16, 2019 at a Minot hospital.  A memorial will be held on Friday, May 24, 2019 at 10:00 am at the Lake Metigoshe Christian Center.

Leslie Kay Tooke was born on November 24 ^th , 1957, in Bottineau, ND, to Vernon and Darlene (Counts) Skaaden. She was raised on the family farm near Landa, ND, along with her sisters Kim, Michelle, and Kelly. Leslie attended K-12 school in Souris, ND, and graduated from Headquarters cosmetology school in Minot, ND. Leslie married the love of her life, Larry Tooke, in 1998, and the couple was blessed with two sons, Hunter & Casey. After living in Alaska for three years, they moved to Souris, ND, to raise their family.

A devoted wife and mother, Leslie loved watching her boys compete in sports alongside Larry. She was well known for her love of gardening, canning, and cooking. Leslie's baking was famous amongst her family and friends, especially her butter horns and jam-jams during the holidays. Her hobbies extended beyond the kitchen as a card player, talented artist, and avid reader. Above all, she found her greatest joy in spending time with her husband and boys.

Leslie was a skilled cosmetologist with a career that spanned almost 40 years, most recently owning and operating Leslie's Hairitage in Bottineau, ND, which is a full-service salon. She took great pride in her business and had many faithful clients who will undoubtedly miss her friendship, dedication, and laughter. Prior to owning Leslie's Hairitage, she owned Country Cut & Curl at Six Mile Corner and worked at Cut Loose and Shear Pleasure.

Leslie passed away on Thursday, May 16 ^th , 2019, at Trinity Hospital in Minot.

She is survived by her husband Larry; sons Hunter and Casey; sisters Kim Weydahl of Minot and Kelly Artz of Lake Metigoshe; brothers-in-law Jim (Darlene) Tooke of Wilton, ND, David (Bernie) Tooke of Lincoln, ND, Sam Tooke of Palmer, AK, Duane (Roselle) Tooke of Dunseith, ND; sisters-in-law Sharon (Roger) Parkhouse of Fargo, ND, Jean (Jim) Berger of Bismarck, Linda Tooke of Bottineau, ND; and nieces and nephews: Eric (Marjorie) Weydahl and Jennifer (Dan) Bright-Rauch of Seattle, WA, Ryan George of Westhope, ND, Garrett (Brandee) George of Chamberlain, SD, Kalli (Kevin) Black of Minot, Luke (Mandy) Artz of Lake Metigoshe, and McKayla Artz of Grand Forks, ND, Mike (Tina) Tooke, Blaine (Melissa) Tooke of Wilton, ND, Nicole (James) Walsh, Melanie (Shane) Weber of Fargo, ND, Mitch (Kayla) Tooke of Bismarck, ND, Deanna (BJ) Rainbow of New Town, ND, Hannah and Clancy Tooke of Palmer, AK, Chad (Mary) Tooke of Mandan, ND, Tanner (Jessica) Tooke of Mandan, ND, Ian Tooke of Dunseith, ND, DJ (Sarah) Tooke of Bottineau, ND, and many great nieces and nephews.

Leslie is preceded in death by her parents; father and mother-in-law Kenneth and Nettie Tooke; sister Michelle Skaaden; brothers-in-law Gary Weydahl and James E. Artz.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be give to an organization of the donors choosing.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.