Norita Skramstad

Norita Skramstad passed away Jan. 26, 2025, at Northern Montana Care Center in Havre, Montana at the age of 88. 

She was born in her home on Dec. 14, 1936, to her parents William and Ester Gardiner in Houghton, South Dakota. 

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Les Skramstad; children Brent Skramstad and Laurel Porte. Also preceding Norita are her siblings Rod Gardiner, Blake Gardiner, who died in World War II, and sister Neenah Dunning. 

Left to cherish Nortia’s memory are her children Sloan (Martin) Thompson, Gayla Cody and Brady Skramstad. As well as her sister Phyillis Denning. 

Norita moved to Libby, Montana where she met the love of her life Les Skramstad. Together they built a wonderful life together, giving life to five kids and took in many more along the way. 

Cliff McQueen was added to list of kids 42 years ago when he showed up with a broken-down bike and Brady asked, “can we keep him”? Being raised by a single mother, Norita made sure she raised the family that she always dreamed of. 

Being the disciplinarian, there was no waiting for dad to get home. Norita handled things right then and there. Though she had tough love, it was love that bonded the family together. That and the love of music. 

On the weekends, music would fill the halls of the home and Norita would always make her famous goulash to fill the hungry stomachs that came over. Whenever her kids would ask her for advice, she would always say, “mind your own business and behave.” 

Norita made sure that her family always were dressed to the T. Making sure all the clothes were ironed and pressed. She would always say, “if you’re going to be in the band, you’re going to look like it.” 

Along with her family, music was her love, especially playing the piano along with watching old westerns and baseball. The very reason for her existence was her family and music. 

Norita worked for First National Bank, United National Bank and she was also a barmaid. Norita will always be remembered as the cornerstone of her family. The love and sacrifices that she made along the way will be carried on by all those who knew and loved her. 

If Norita could leave one last piece of advice it would be her last entry in her diary. “Life is what you make of it and I’m just fine.” 

Memorial services will be held later by the family. Please sign the guest book at www.wildernessfuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Wilderness Funeral Homes of Havre.