Debra Stenson, 57, of Rock Lake, ND, passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at the Towner County Living Center of Cando under the care of Mercy Hospice of Devils Lake.

Debra "Debbie"was born to Doris (Maki) and Walter Mosolf on January 27, 1954 at Cando, ND. Debbie was raised in Rock Lake by her parents Doris and Orville Stenson. She graduated from Rock Lake High School in the class of 1973. Debbie was a baptized and confirmed member of All Nations Lutheran Church of Rock Lake where she taught Sunday School and was active in the Reception Circle. She assisted community residents as a nurses aide at both Cando and Rolla nursing homes She cared for her parents, Doris and Orville Stenson, during times of illness. Debbiewrote local news columns for the Towner CountyRecord Herald and the Turtle Mountain Star Newspaper for many years. Debbie was a beloved and proud mother of her son Steven. Steven was the most important part of her world.

Debbie fought a courageous and winning battle against esophageal cancer. She created a cancer ribbon to represent esophageal cancer,a periwinkle ribbon with five white beads in the center. The five beads represent Faith, Family, Friends, Finnish “Sisu”, and Fabulous doctors and staff. The ribbon was campaigned for through the American Cancer Society. Debbie reached out and sent these ribbons andcards to those she knew were fighting esophageal cancer. Debbie was an advocate for others who’s lives were also touched by any form of cancer. Cards, personal notes and little gifts of encouragement were sent to those who were fighting the battle. It was important to her that her “cancer pals” knew that they were not alone on this “wild ride.” As a pastime, Debbie enjoyed collecting angel figurines, chicken collectibles, embroidery, music, sending cards and visiting with family and friends.

Debra is survived by her beloved son: Steven Stenson of Rock Lake, ND; siblings: Eileen (Jim) Jacobsen of Rock Lake, ND, Myron “Butch” (Laurie) Mosolf of Jamestown, ND, Diane (Richard) Hamley of Otis Orchard, WA, Janet (Chris) Mallea of Bend, OR, Gayle (Rich) Wilmot of Rhinelander, WI, Gerald (Teresa) Stenson of Rock Lake, ND, Loretta (Harlan) Gregerson of Racine, WI, Edward (Becky) Stenson of Jacksonville, FL, Pauline Dahl, Joyce (Robert) Bucholz, Leona Kennedy, and Maxine (Robert) Johnson; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Doris and Orville Stenson, Walter Mosolf; grandmothers: Hilma Koski and Hilda Stenson; and many family members and dear friends.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to all who sent cards and flowers, expressed words of support and to those who stopped by to visit. Your kind thoughts, words and prayers were a comfort to Debbie and to us during this recent battle with cancer. A special thank you to the Towner County Medical Center, Altru Hospital of Grand Forks, the Towner County Living Center and Mercy Hospice of Devils Lake, ND. Bless those of you whom touched our lives during this time.

VISITATION will begin at 5 with a 7pm Prayer Service on Monday, June 27, 2011 at the Dunnigan Dix Funeral Home of Cando, ND.

SERVICES will be on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 10:30am at the All Nations Lutheran Church of Rock Lake, ND.

INTERMENT All Nations Cemetery, Rock Lake, ND