Lavina H. Tschepen, 93, of Bisbee, ND passed away on Friday, November 11, 2011 at the Towner County Living Center in Cando, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 10:00 AM at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Bisbee. Visitation will be at the Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home in Cando on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:00 with a prayer service beginning at 6:30. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday for one hour prior to the funeral mass. Interment will be at the Bisbee Cemetery.

Lavina Helen Miller was born on September 12, 1918, the only child of Helen (Walsh) and Leo Miller. She was born and raised on the family farm south of Perth, ND. Lavina was proud to have played basketball in her high school years before graduating from Perth High School in 1936. Lavina went on to attend Minot State Teachers College. Upon completion, she taught at the Elsworth Township School, a country school west of Perth. On October 6, 1940 she married Edward Tschepen and moved to the farm near Bisbee. The demands of feeding sometimes up to 14 hired men as well as actively taking part in field work made it necessary for her to give up teaching but also allowed her to focus on raising her three boys.

Lavina demonstrated her faith by teaching her children and through her involvement with the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers. Lavina loved to cook and made sure everybody at the table was aware to save room for her specialty- the pies, cakes and desserts. She became known for her large colorful flower beds grown, both at the farm and the house that she and Edward built in Bisbee. Sadly, Edward passed away in 1988. Lavina then made her full-time home in Bisbee. Remaining active and involved allowed Lavina to remain independent, frequently driving herself where she wanted up until age ninety-two.

Lavina is survived by her sons: Ronald (Gerry), Leo (Mary) and Alvin (Sandi); eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Lavina is preceded in death by her parents and her husband.