Nita Dura, 83, formerly of Jamestown, N.D., died Jan. 8, 2020, in Fargo, N.D., from complications from dementia. Juanita June Payne was born Oct. 2, 1936, in Argusville, N.D., to Percy and Estella (Keating) Payne. Stella died in 1938 from meningitis, and Nita was afterward adopted and raised by her aunt and uncle, Ella and Bill Erickson. Nita graduated from Argusville High School in 1954. She married her high school sweetheart, Arthur Dura, on Nov. 12, 1954, in Fargo. Art was an architect and engineer. Their family lived in Cooperstown, Fargo, Harwood, Argusville and Fergus Falls before moving in 1966 to Jamestown, where they raised their four children: Holly Kay, Mike, Bob and Jim. Nita earned an associate’s in business from Valley City State University and later obtained her Realtor’s license.
Art and his “Honey Ball” were a fun couple. They enjoyed parties, dancing, riding motorcycle, flying planes, Sunday gatherings with family, fishing and trips to Canada. Halloween was their favorite holiday. Art died Oct. 24, 1993. Nita continued to live in Jamestown, and worked as a successful Realtor. Her family and friends enjoyed many weekends at “Grandma D’s RV park” in the lot behind her home. Nita was a natural redhead. She beat cancer three times, first when she was 30. She had a great, infectious laugh. She supported Relay for Life, Jamestown Clowns, Shriners and other organizations. She enjoyed bridge, dice and card games and was active in church life. She didn’t like cats or mice or the birds that nested on the side of her house. She retired in 2014 and moved to Fargo in 2016.
Nita was a vibrant, classy, well dressed woman, a loving family member and a dear friend. She will be missed, but Art and Nita are having a joyous reunion.
Nita was preceded in death by her biological and adoptive parents, husband Art, brothers Doug Payne and Robert Erickson and special friend Don Legrid. She is survived by her children: Holly Dura, Michael (Arlene) Dura, Robert (Rebecca) Dura and Jim (Jane) Dura; 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, brother Gordon (Doris Jean) Erickson and numerous relatives and friends.
Visitation is from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020 at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. Cremation has taken place. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Fargo.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.boulgefuneralhome.com.
