Selma was born on July 27, 1919, in Portland, North Dakota and passed away on January 20, 2019 at her home in Issaquah, Washington. She was one of seven children born to Caroline Bothun and Anton Besrud.

Selma enjoyed life and was very generous. After graduation from 8th grade in a one-room country schoolhouse, she was hired as a helper at a local farm where she did household chores and cooking for farm workers.

Selma and Elmer Hovland were married in a double ceremony with her sister and brother-in-law, Ellen and Norris Engdahl. She and her new husband settled on a nice little farm near Grace City, North Dakota, where Selma’s pride and joy were her baby lambs. In 1957, she and Elmer relocated to Preston, Washington where she resided until moving to Issaquah.

She married Gilman Thompson in 1974 a few years after the death of Elmer. They enjoyed life and retirement, fishing, traveling and visiting with friends every year while spending winters at Slab City, Nevada.

You could always expect to find friends at her home in Issaquah enjoying a hot cup of coffee and some of her many home-baked goodies. She was always baking.

Selma is survived by three step-daughters: Wanda (Dick) Dickson of Sammamish, Donna (Larry) Brandt of Kennewick and Gayle Miller of Federal Way, as well as sister Gladys Dahlsad of Moorhead, Minnesota. She is survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Elmer Hovland, Gilman Thompson and three stepchildren, Gordon and Darrell Thompson and Irene Lewis Brady.

Her church has always been a very important part of her life. She has been a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church since 1958 and was very proud of her perfect attendance. Everyone who knew her will truly miss her presence.