Mary Lois Baker ,78, a longtime Minot teacher died, Monday, June 21, 2010, in Pierre, South Dakota.

Mary Lois Baker was born April 20, 1932 to Henry and Luella (Bolyard) Severson. Luella died during childbirth and Mary Lois was adopted by Ray and Helen Bolyard. Mary Lois attended school in Minot, graduating from Minot High School in 1950.

Mary Lois married Marlyn Baker Dec. 1, 1951. After starting a family, Mary Lois returned to Minot State University and graduated with an Elementary Education degree and a minor in music in 1967. Mary Lois taught various grades at Lincoln, Longfellow and Edison elementary schools in Minot, touching many young lives. After her teaching career, Mary Lois worked in the safe deposit box area of Bremer Bank in Minot. She cherished the friendships she made.

Mary Lois was a lifelong member of Vincent United Methodist Church and a long time choir member. Mary Lois loved the arts and music was a passion, she had a beautiful voice. Mary Lois enjoyed volunteering, loved working with ticket sales at the Norsk Hostfest and looked forward to helping at the soup kitchen at Faith United Methodist.

She is survived by her sons, Paul Baker (Mary Lou) Wilmington NC, Steve Baker (Kim) Pierre, SD and Richard Baker (Joann) Greensboro, NC; grandchildren, Sarah Pinson (Mike), Travis Baker, Mandy Baker, Erin Baker and Kelly Baker; brother, Joe Bolyard, Kenosha , WI and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mary Lois was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marlyn and brother, Roy Anderson.

Funeral service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 25, 2010 at Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot, ND ;
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND;
Visitation: Thursday, June 24, 2010, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials are preferred to Souris Valley Animal Shelter or to Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot.