Mary C. DeGroat, 77, of Minot, went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at Trinity Medical Center in Minot.

Mary was born August 17, 1935, in Belcourt, ND, to Leonard and Ida Hamley. She was raised and educated in Belcourt. In 1955 Mary relocated to Minot, and shortly after she married Gabriel DeGroat. Mary was a stay at home mother, and her family was her top priority. She loved cooking and baking with her children. Mary was not only a great mother, but also an excellent quilter. This was evident by the numerous quilts displayed in her home.

Mary loved to make people laugh, and she loved a good joke. She was also a great listener, and if anyone had a problem, they knew they could talk to her over a cup of coffee. These conversations grew into many lasting friendships. Mary could always be found visiting friends, or making another amazing quilt. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives have been touched by hers.

Left to mourn Mary's passing are her children: sons; Jim (JoAnn) Hamley, of Belcourt, ND, Frank (Julie) DeGroat of Surrey, ND, Lloyd (Keri) DeGroat of Conrad, MT, Charlie (Bernadette) DeGroat, Gabe DeGroat and Michael DeGroat all of Minot. Daughters; Michelle (Troy) Johnson of Minot, and Marie Jones of Minneapolis, MN; 21 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and countless friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband Gabriel in 2001.

A Celebration of Life Service has been scheduled for Saturday September 29, 2012 at 11:30am at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Minot, with burial to follow immediately after the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens.