Click to view the Video Tribute for Sylvia
Sylvia Irene Hawkins, daughter of Edwin and Clara (Lee) Hawkins, was born June 20, 1922, rural Halstad, MN. She grew up and received her education in the Halstad area, where she graduated from high school in 1940.
On June 21, 1942, Sylvia married Ernest O. Renfrew, in Halstad. They lived in the Halstad area, where Sylvia worked as a school bus driver. In 1966, they moved to Moorhead. Sylvia was employed by Simon's Home Furnishings as a drapery seamstress. In her later years, she did child care in her home.
Ernie died March 23, 1991. After his death, Sylvia continued to live in Moorhead, and for a short time, in Fargo, ND. In her last few years, she had been a resident of Golden Living Center, Moorhead. Sylvia was a loving wife and mother. She made quilts for all of her children. She especially loved her wonderful grandchildren and invested much time in loving and caring for them.
Sylvia died Sunday, September 30, 2012, in Golden Living Center, Moorhead, at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie; her parents; a granddaughter, Brianna Renfrew; a sister, Edna Nelson; and brothers, Martin and Clark Hawkins.
Sylvia is survived by her children, Sharon Johnson, Sun Lakes, AZ, Linda (Tom) Barth, Moorhead, Corrine (Cam Ullrich) Johnson, Lake Park, MN, and John (Brenda) Renfrew, West Fargo, ND; a sister, Joyce Winroth, Fargo; 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, Lori (Rich) Dwyer, Tara (Allen) Kleven and their children, Peyton, Ian, Cole, and Brody, Elizabeth (Buc) Heston and their daughter, Isabelle, Brandon (Ryanna) Barth and their daughter, Bella, Christy (Aric) Ryland and their children, Aiden and Maya, Josh (Melanie) Barth and their children, Piper and Liam, Melissa (Joe) Dosmann and their children, Colton and Caden, Maari (Jon) Boatman, Christopher Johnson, Jason (Jennifer) Renfrew and their children, Aubri, Jacob, and Tatum, Andrew Renfrew, and Matthew (Lindsay) Renfrew.
Visitation: Thursday, 5 PM to 7 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead. Funeral: Friday (October 5, 2012) at 10:30 AM in Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church, Moorhead.