Emma Verbitsky, 98, Minot and formerly of Butte, died on Thursday, January 7, 2010, in a Minot nursing home.

Emma was born March 2, 1911, on the family farm in Dogden Township of McLean County south of Butte, ND to Walter and Mary (Kohanas) Yecoshenko. She received her formal education in a country school near Butte in addition to assisting her family with the operation of the family farm.

Emma was united in marriage to Pete A. Verbitsky on December 21, 1941, in Butte. They made their home on the farm until moving to Minot in 1958. They settled on a farm west of Des Lacs, ND in 1964. Pete passed away April 16, 1987. She continued to reside on the farm until becoming a resident of Trinity Homes in October 2001.

Emma was a great mother, focusing her attention on raising her family and spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, canning and was known to be a good cook. Emma loved the Lord. She will be deeply missed by all who shared in her life.

Loving family includes: Sons: Peter Verbitsky Jr., rural Berthold, ND and Gerald (Debbie) Verbitsky, Federal Way, WA; Three Grandchildren; Six Great-Grandchildren; Sisters, Mabel Zalomsky and Gladys Eisenrich, both of Butte, ND and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Ella Wolfe, brothers, Sam, Melvin, Walter, Lawrence and William Yecoshenko and daughter-in-law, Marilyn Verbitsky.

Funeral service: Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at 2:00 pm at the American Legion Hall in Butte, ND;
Interment: Butte Community Cemetery, Butte, ND;
Visitation: Tuesday, January 12, 2010, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.