Sophie Zaharia

Sophie Zaharia of Minot, formerly of Walhalla and Pembina passed away in her home, Friday September 22, 2017 surrounded by her family and friends.
Sophie was born February 1, 1929, at Pembina, ND to Alex and Lena (Kriska) Layhon. She attended Pembina High School. Growing up in the Pembina area she worked a variety of jobs, from picking potatoes for local farmer to working in the hospital in Hallock, Minnesota. In October of 1952 she married Mike Zaharia, of Pembina, ND, son of William and Dora (Karliak) Zaharia. They lived in the Pembina area for a time, where Mike worked for area farmers. In 1959 they moved to Seattle, Washington, moving back in 1960, where they made their home in the Walhalla area. They worked for farmers in the area and doing custom baling. They purchased their own farm later and operated a dairy farm for a number of years. As well as the running of the farm Sophie also worked for area farmers, harvesting potatoes. They later sold their farm and moved to Walhalla and then to Pembina, where she worked for Motor Coach Industries for 22 years. After retiring from Motor Coach Industries, they moved to Minot, North Dakota. While living in Minot, they owned and operated Ma & Pa Lawn service as well as working for the Ward County Soil Conservation District selling and planting trees. She attended All Saints' Episcopal Church, where she was active in the church soup kitchen. She was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Walhalla and All Saints' Episcopal Church Minot. Family was the most important part of her life, spending time with her kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; as well as sisters, nieces and nephews. Sophie loved her garden, trees, and flowers. She gave of herself in all that she did, sharing in her garden in the fall, she would give fresh vegetables and canned goods to all. She also enjoyed her weekly evening out of bingo.
She is survived by her children: Paul (Margaret) Zaharia, Minot, ND, David Zaharia, Las Vegas, NV, and Kathy Ligman, Minot, ND. Grandchildren Aaron (Joy) Zaharia, Walhalla, ND, Janelle (Shawn) Uyeda, Minot, ND, Rebecca (Randall) Lee, Minot, ND, Cheney (Jennifer) Ligman, Fort Riley, KS; great-grandchildren: Cassy, Emilee, Wyatt, Cora, Heidi, Gretchen, and Bryer; sisters: Mary Bordeniuk, Catherine Klegstad, Rose Younggren, Doris Heiser, Annie Bergh, Helen Weleski, and Margaret Mattson.
Also preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Mike; sister, Barbara; and brothers: Mike, John, and Alex.