Iona Graybill

Sept 23, 1934 – May 17, 2025

New Rockford

Iona Elizabeth Graybill was born to John and Elizabeth (Lowe) Johnson Sept 23, 1934, in Rolette, ND. She passed away peacefully May 17, 2025 at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford, ND at 90 years of age.

Iona grew up on Caledonia Farm, north of Wolford, ND. She attended the one room schoolhouse, Scotch Block school, a mile from Caledonia Farm, until 8th grade. She shared many stories of the trips back and forth to school on her ponies and horses (especially Judy). Iona completed her high school education through Fargo Correspondence School. Iona met her future husband, Frank Graybill, through his sister and later married on January 16, 1955. After marrying, Frank and Iona built their first home and lived near St. John, ND in the Turtle Mountains. A year later they welcomed their daughter, Loanne, into the world. Life took Frank and Iona to Langdon, ND; Caledonia Farm-Wolford; McAllen, Texas before moving to Rugby, ND where they spent the rest of their married life. Iona accompanied Frank to Kingdom Hall construction projects in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Wyoming and Colorado. She loved to garden, sew, feed the wild birds and tend her flowers. Much of her free time was spent trying to outsmart the squirrels and “purple grackles” that stole her bird food. She also loved to share encouraging thoughts from the Bible with others. Iona held her Scriptural beliefs close to her heart throughout her life.

Iona is survived by her daughter-Loanne (John) Thornberg-Knox, ND, Grandsons: Cameron Thornberg-Knox, ND and Cassidy (Kaitlin) Thornberg-Eveleth, MN and nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband-Frank; brothers-Howard, Edwin and Lowell; Sister-in-laws: Eunice, Marjorie, Maryls, Betty, Ruth and Vera.

Thank you to the healthcare providers that went above and beyond to provide her loving care!

Memorial service to be held Saturday June 7th at 3pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses-301 5th Ave NW, Rugby, ND 58368.

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, May 31, 2025.