Della Gustafson, age 95 of Rolla, ND (the last of the original James gang) passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at SMP-St. Kateri Hospital, Rolla, ND.

Della Myers James was born on September 19, 1929 in Rolette County, ND to Harvey and Catherine (Stewart) James. She was the 11th of 14 children. She attended school in Fairview and later in St. John where she graduated in 1947 as co-salutatorian. Della married Laverne Gustafson June 12, 1950. Together they raised six children, Barbara, Donovan, Gary, Catherine, Janet, and Paulette. Della worked for Super Value in high school and later at the Golden Rule. She also spent 30 years in the Rolette County Treasurer's office before retiring.

Della loved her flowers. Paulette helped with them, but when she retired and moved to Wyoming, Janet assumed the job of watering. This was not Janet's activity of choice. Della also loved to put in a garden, or should I say supervise as the garden went in. Whether her daughters or grand daughters were planting, Della always said she was the boss and that's why the garden was so nice. Della enjoyed the outdoors. Whether walking, spending time with the horses, or just sitting on her bench, it made her happy. Her favorite horse though, was a camo green 4x4 and even at 80+ years of age, she could be seen zipping up the road on it. Della's family was spread from coast to coast and many of her best times were when they would return "home" for visits. Della also enjoyed watching old westerns and read every book she could get her hands on. But the true loves of her life were her grand & great grand children. There was always at least one at her house and sometimes many more.

Della is survived by her children: Barb (Gary) Garceau of St. John, Catherine/Katie (Jerry) Juntunen of St. John, Janet Buchanan of Rolla, and Paulette Gustafson of Thayne, WY. Grandchildren: Christian Garceau, Michael (Cheryl) Gustafson, April (Michael) Roussin, James (Cari) Gustafson, Christina (Tom) Allard, Meena Gamble, Daniel Gustafson, Michelle (John) Juntunen-Baker, Casey (Morgan) Juntunen, Cynthia (Chris) Buchanan, & Jennifer Buchanan, 21 great-grandchildren and numerous great great- grandchildren.

Della was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Catherine James, husband Laverne Gustafson, sons: Donovan/Kook and Gary/Monk Gustafson. Della was not only the last of her family and their spouses, but also Laverne's family and their spouses and the last of her high school class. Siblings and their spouses: Mary & Henry/Hank Boppre, Alex/Buck & Vera James, Howard & Eva James, Grace James, Esther & Donald Boppre, Dora/Bitty & Duane/Red Baker, Helena/Finn & Vern Rudquist, Jessie/Squeak Stewart, Margaret/Peggy & Claire Bursinger, Irene/Skinny Haas, Laura & Leon Nerpel, Lee James, Frederick/Fred & Loretta/Ettie James. In laws and spouses: Clarice and Rene' Charbonneau, Lloyd/Benny & Mildred Gustafson, Wayne & Mardel Gustafson and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Della's funeral service will be held May 9, 2025 at the St. John Presbyterian Church at 11:00 A.M. with Dave Schnackenberg presiding. Her internment of ashes will be with her husband Laverne at the Mill Lake Cemetery, Lake Upsilon, following the service.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.