Janet M. Scarff

Janet Marguerite Scarff, 97, Bismarck, died January 1, 2012, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 2:00 PM at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center in Bismarck with Rev. Ray Baker officiating. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Janet was born on June 27, 1914, to Judge A.L. and Clarissa Braman Butler in Williston, ND. She was the youngest of the family, having two older brothers, Ralph and Don, and one sister, Avis. At age thirteen, she began working after school and weekends at a local music store and continued this through high school and during school breaks while attending college. She taught herself to play piano at the store and enjoyed playing and accompanying groups for many years. She also learned to play the Hammond organ. Janet was active in the Williston Congregational Church throughout her youth and adult life in Williston. She graduated from Williston High School and attended Valley City State Teachers College. After college, she taught for one year in a one-room country school. She then worked four years as a commercial clerk for the telephone company. Janet married Mark T. Scarff on August 26, 1940, in Williston. Mark and Janet had three children, Mark, David, and Nancy. She became a devoted mother and homemaker. Mark worked for Montana Dakota Utilities Co. and they were transferred to Glendive, Bismarck, Minneapolis, and back to Bismarck. In 1968, their home was built in Bismarck, where they continued to live after Mark retired in 1973. Early in her marriage, Janet became an active member of the Methodist Church. While living in Glendive, she was a pianist for the Sunday school and became a Cub Scout Den Mother. She became Worthy Matron of the Glendive Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. She also served with the Gray Ladies at the hospital there. In Bismarck, Janet was an active Girl Scout leader, an adult worker with the Rainbow Girls, and attended Eastern Star and Past Worthy Matrons of Eastern Star. She was an active member of McCabe United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. The fellowship and service with the church were very central to Mark and Janet and their children's lives. Janet enjoyed camping and canoeing extensively in the United States, Canada, and Alaska with her family. Her hobbies included music, sewing, needlepoint, counted cross-stitch, hardanger, making religious stoles, rock hounding, and collecting English Bone China. She was an avid reader, particularly history, travel, and religion. She entered Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center in 2004 and lived there the past eight years. She enjoyed the many fine programs and activities. She and her family greatly appreciated the good care she received and the friendliness of the staff, residents, and other families. Many enjoyed her beautiful smile and sparkling eyes. Janet is survived by her three children, Mark E. and his wife Annie, of Helena, MT, David of Bismarck, and Nancy of Bismarck; Cathy Scarff of Butte, MT; four grandsons; and three great-granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mark; her sister-in-law, Maxine; her great-grandson, Joshua Ine; her brothers, Ralph and Don; and her sister, Avis. Memorials may be given to McCabe United Methodist Church or Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center.

Janet M. Scarff

June 27, 1914 - January 1, 2012