Today is Mother’s Day, and we’re talking about Elizabeth Bodine, who was named North Dakota Mother of the Year in 1968. Bodine was a Velva native who firmly believed in education. In fact, every one of her 18 children received post-secondary education. Six of her daughters went to college, two other daughters went to business school, and all ten of her sons obtained college degrees. In fact, the Bodines had one or more children going to Minot State for 26 years in a row.

In 1979, Elizabeth also received the Teddy Roosevelt Rough Rider Award during the International Year of the Child. She was known for her humanitarian efforts as well – within her church as well as civic and community projects. Among her many contributions were sending clothing and food to her relatives in Poland during World War II, sending boxes of clothing to Vietnam, and assisting the Native American population in the Belcourt area.

Oh yeah, and it’s opening fishing day. Opening fishing on Mother’s Day? Who had that bright idea? Our writer wants to do a story on that person, and cold fish may be a big part of it...

Happy Mother’s Day!

 

This text and audio may not be copied without securing prior permission from North Dakota Public Radio.