Mary M. Bullis Hoyt, age 94, peacefully passed away in the presence of family on February 9, 2022 at Bethany Retirement Living Center in Fargo, N.D. As per her wishes, memorial services will be conducted graveside by longtime family friend, Candyce Wick of the Woodworth and Pingree Lutheran and Medina U.C.C. Churches. The service and inturnment will be held at 11:00 A.M. on July 23, 2022 at Highland Home Cemetery in Jamestown, N.D. with a time of fellowship to follow.

On May 2, 1927, Mary was born as the sixth of seven daughters to Alfred and Karen (Paulsen) Fagereng on a farm near Pettibone, N.D. After graduating from Pettibone High School in only three years, she obtained her teaching certificate and taught in area rural schools until her marriage to Robert Bullis in January of 1947. The couple lived in Valley City, N.D. while Bob attended college following his return from World War II. It was here in Valley City that they welcomed the birth of their first child, Gregory. After Bob completed his degree in education, the family relocated over the years to California and to various communities in North Dakota where he served as a teacher and coach and in school administration. During this time, their daughter, Jo, was born. In addition to caring for her family, Mary was employed by a Foster County, N.D. bank. When they later settled in Jamestown, N.D., she worked for Haroldson Office Supply and at Haybuster Manufacturing. Following Bob’s death in 1980, she continued to reside in Jamestown.

In November of 1990, Mary married Don Hoyt of Wimbledon, N.D. They lived on a farm near Wimbledon where they hosted many memory-making family gatherings. After several years in the countryside, they moved to Jamestown, and their home again became a hub of activity. Don passed away in 2004.

Mary was known for her generous hospitality. She delighted in serving delicious meals to family and friends and was always quick to offer a cup of coffee to anyone who stopped by for a visit. Holidays were particularly special, as it was then when she prepared recipes reflecting the full-blooded Scandinavian heritage of her Norwegian father and Danish mother.

In addition to spending time with her family and friends, Mary also enjoyed traveling, camping, reading, flowers, and pets. She participated in community and church activities as well as having served as a 4-H leader. Mary was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for more than 50 years.

Preceding Mary in death were her parents, Alfred and Karen Fagereng; husbands, Bob Bullis and Don Hoyt; son, Greg; daughter, Jo; her sisters, Ingrid, Julia, Sylvia, Carrie, and Alvina; two infant brothers; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; a niece and nephews.

Mary is survived by her step-children, Don Hoyt, Jr., Kapaa, Hawaii, Bruce Hoyt, Fargo, N.D., Lana Hoyt, Mukilteo, Washington, and their families; daughter-in-law, Marsha Bullis, Watertown, S.D.; sister, Leone Stenberg, Fargo, N.D.; and many nieces and nephews.

The family requests that memorials be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Eddy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.