Elizabeth R. McGarvey, 78 of Devils Lake ND passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026 at HIA Heather's House in Fargo, ND in the loving care of her family.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake ND from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with fellowship to follow in the Parish Center dining hall.

Elizabeth Ruby Tollefson, one of nine children, was born on September 19, 1947, in Msddock, ND to Rudolph and Eustean (Bingham) Tollefson. She grew up in the Harlow, ND area, attended school in Maddock. When Elizabeth was only 11 years old, her father died from polio. The family left the Harlow area and moved to Devils Lake, ND and Liz would call it home for the rest of her lifetime.

With hard work and determination, Elizabeth earned her GED through Lake Region Jr. College. She worked at Mann’s Department Store until the late 70’s.

Liz was united in marriage to Charles McGarvey Sr. on July 18, 1973, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. They established their home in Devils Lake where they lived, worked, and raised their son Charles Jr.

Eventually, Liz began working in the Clerk of District Court office in Devils Lake until 1984. That year, Liz and Charles became the owners and operators of McGarvey’s Archery. Liz needed to be busy so along with McGarvey’s Archery, she worked at Garsten Management until 1994. She decided to expand her horizon and went to work as a Loan Officer for Gate City Bank, then in 2011 became a Loan Officer for First Community Credit Union. She retired in 2023, not by choice. Liz loved her job and wanted to continue to serve her customers, but increasing health issues forced retirement.

Liz was a talented seamstress, and her summers were filled with tending her many beautiful flower beds. She loved hunting, fishing, camping and ANYTHING to do with the world of archery including membership in the Lake Region Bow Men’s Club (now Lake Region Sportsmen’s Club).

She poured her heart into serving her clients at the bank, found her peace in the woods with a bow in hand, and loved her family most of all.

Liz is survived by her husband Charles of nearly 53 years; son Charles “Chuck” McGarvey Jr. and his wife Amy of Fargo; grandchildren Gabrille McGarvey, Moorhead, MN and Allison McGarvey, Fargo; siblings Nancy (Bill) Thomas, Mandan ND, Dan Tollefson, Horace, ND, Mary Lou Steinhaus, Fargo, John (Marva) Tollefson, St. Michael, ND, Rudy (Judy) Tollefson, Devils Lake; in-laws Gaylene Tollefson, Lakota ND, Harry (Kathy) McGarvey, Devils Lake and Margo Rosemore also of Mandan.

She was reunited with her parents, siblings Barbara Rosendahl, Eleanor Williams and Lawrence Tollefson and in-law Harry Sr. and Emily McGarvey.