Mary B. Blair

Mary B. Blair, dearly-loved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, of Walhalla, ND passed away Monday, June 25, 2007, at the Cavalier County Memorial Hospital, Langdon, ND. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 2, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Walhalla Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 1st from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer and Eastern Star service at the church. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour before the time of services. Burial will be held in the Walhalla Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Walhalla. Arrangements with Nelson-Askew Funeral Home, Walhalla, ND.
Mary was born March 17, 1920, at Grand Forks, ND to William and Jennie Belanus. She was raised by her grandparents, Robert and Jessie Bartholomew, on their farm close to Walhalla.
She graduated from Walhalla High school, and later worked as a secretary in its office for three years prior to her marriage to Merle Blair in 1941.
After their marriage, Merle and Mary first farmed and lived with Mary's grandparents. In 1946, they moved to the Park Center community, where they lived and farmed until 1956, when their house burned. They then moved to Walhalla. They retired from farming in the mid-1970s, after which Merle sharpened disks.
Mary was primarily a homemaker, and was especially proud of her children (Myrna, Elsie, Lois and Ross), her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their accomplishments. There could not have been a more loving mother and grandmother. Music was always very special in the Belanus family, as it has been for all her children and grandchildren. Mary delighted in hearing them all perform. She was a wonderful cook - especially noted for her desserts. Her rhubarb, blueberry pies and chocolate cake with caramel frosting will be fondly remembered by all.
Second in importance only to her family in her life was her church, St. Peter's Episcopal in Walhalla. Served as its organist for 45 years. She served as its treasurer and on its vestry for many years, and always had a major role in all church activities and projects. Along with this, she served as a member of the Walhalla Ministerial Association.
Mary had many other interests. She generously donated her time and talent to community projects and services, and belonged to many organizations. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, for which she served as Worthy Matron. She was a 50-year member of 3-H homemakers and an active member of Senior Citizens. She delighted in playing pinochle and whist, and in beating her sons-in-law at cribbage. She loved watching her birds, but not the grackles, nor squirrels that stole the food. She served as a census taker and supervisor, and was always interested in politics - though in recent years she was dangerously close to changing party affiliation!
Mary was blessed with a memory like a steel trap - and she retained this until the end. She was especially interested in local and family history, and could recall the most minute (and interesting!) details. Some memories from her youth, written by daughter Myrna, are currently being published as a series of articles in the Walhalla Mountaineer.
Mary's sense of humor never failed her, either. She dearly loved a good joke, and remembered every humorous incident that had ever happened. Just ask her neighbor's dogs!
Mary is survived by her daughters, Myrna (Jerry) Bietz, East Peoria, IL and Elsie (Bruce) Magnus, Langdon, ND; son, Ross (Lila) Blair, Walhalla; grandchildren, Matthew Bietz, San Diego, CA; Melanie Bietz, Sacramento, CA; Ryan and Amy Magnus, Malia Magnus (special friend, Ryan Jones) all of Lake Crystal, MN; Carmen Magnus, Bigfork, MN; Nathan Blair (fiancee, Lisa McDonald), Jennifer Blair (fiance, Thomas Salazar III), all of Moorhead, MN; Elizabeth and Cullen Blair, both of Walhalla. A special joy to Mary was her first great-grandchild, Max Magnus, Lake Crystal, MN.
Mary is also survived by brothers, Robert and Charles (Hilda) Belanus, Walhalla; sisters, Jessie (Leonard) Urlaub, Walhalla and Leona (Howard) McMurray, New Hope, MN; and by several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Merle (July 7, 1993); daughters, Ruth (who died in infancy) and Lois; her parents and grandparents; and sister, Nellie Proskurnik.
Mary enjoyed her independence, and, with help from family and friends, continued to live alone in her own home until the time of her death. Mary was a friend to all. She is greatly missed by her family, friends and community.
Clergy: The Right Reverend Michael G. Smith and The Reverend Dr. Jim Shannon.
Honorary Pallbearers: Member of the Walhalla Ministerial Association, Walhalla Senior Citizens, Order of Eastern Star and the 3-H Homemakers.
Casket Bearers: Matthew Bietz, Ryan Magnus, Nathan Blair, Cullen Blair, Gary Belanus, Jim Belanus, Michael Belanus, Robert Blair, David Brown, Brian Johnson, and Robert Pitcher.
Music: Special Music by Mary's Grandchildren; Sharon Siberg, Organist; Craig Munnoch, Piper.