Yarmilla Alice Blazek was born at Haug, MN on September 1, 1925, the daughter of Henry and Mary (Novak) Blazek. She was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith. She attended schools in the Greenbush area and graduated from Greenbush High School in 1942. Yarmilla worked in war plants in California and Minneapolis during World War II. For several years she cooked for hired hands on her sisters farm west of Karlstad.

On January 2, 1954 she married Severyn Duray in Stephen, MN. They lived and farmed in the Greenbush area. In 1955 she began working in the Dietary Department of the Greenbush Community Hospital. She continued her employment there, serving as Dietary Supervisor, until retiring in 1992. She and Severyn continued to live on their farm until July, 1995, when they moved to Thief River Falls to be near their daughter.

Yarmilla had a very giving spirit and always put others needs before her own. She often shared her talents of baking and cooking with her family and friends. Yarmilla was very proud of her Czech heritage.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Joan (Bruce) Gerardy of Thief River Falls, MN; one sister, Angeline Bothum of Karlstad, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Severyn, on December 21, 2006; her parents, Henry and Mary Blazek; brothers, Frank and Henry; and sisters, Mary Earle, Gabriella Todden and Pauline Weidert.

Yarmilla Duray died on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at MeritCare Hospital, Northwest Campus in Thief River Falls, MN. at the age of 82 years, 11 months, and 26 days. May her memory be blessed.

ORGANIST: Kristi LaSalle
CANTOR: Shelly Burkel
READER: Jim Morrissey
PALLBEARERS: Mitch Hoard, Larry Borgen, Mark Gerardy, Dennis Johnson, Brian Gerardy and Shane Kilen