Myrna Faul, 85, Minot, died Saturday, June 20, 2020 in a Minot nursing home.

Myrna was born at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND on December 4, 1934 to Calvin Rufus Hoover and Selma E. (Beaver) Hoover. She joined a sister, Arcelia, and a brother, Lesley and would later welcome a sister, Donelda.

Her father worked for the railroad in Minot and she enjoyed many family trips as a child to visit family in Wenatchee, Washington and Indiana. One significant trip was in 1942, when she was 8 years old, her father was transferred to Wenatchee, Washington for two years to support the war effort. Her older brother, Les, was in the service at the time. Her older sister, Arcelia, had gone out ahead and found a place to live with a friend. Myrna, her younger sister Nel, and their mother travelled with their household belongings to move to the west coast. She remembers they had one whole train car for household boxes and furniture and one train car for their family car.

One of Myrna's special joys in junior and senior high school was being a majorette for her school's marching band.  She graduated from Minot High School in 1953.

Myrna's interest in nursing and health care began at a young age. At 15 years old, she took a Home Health Aid course which enabled her to administer the daily insulin injections to her diabetic grandmother who lived with her family. Additionally, she worked as a "Candystriper" serving meals to patients at Trinity Hospital while in high school. She always thought she would have liked to become a nurse.

Through teaching Sunday School, Myrna was introduced to the widowed father of three of her students, Willard Nelson.  On August 22, 1953, they were married in Minot where they continued to raise their family adding four more children of their own.

In 1955, Willard and Myrna purchased Granite Springs Water & Ice Company where she contributed to the business as the bookkeeper and office manager for many years. They sold the business in 1976.  In 1964, they purchased her dream house on 23 ^rd street where she continued to live until her health required nursing care.

Through good times and bad, Myrna and Willard remained married for 49 years until his death in 2002.

In 2009, Myrna reconnected with an old friend, Alan Faul, and they married for a brief time.

From 1991 to 1993, she worked at Minot State University as a research assistant, peer advisor, tutor, and an assistant to Dr. Lee Ellis. She graduated from Minot State University with a BA in Psychology in 1993 and completed her education as a graduate of Briercrest College and Seminary with an MA in Psychology in 1998.

Myrna was a charter member of Grace Baptist Church in Minot where she faithfully served as church organist. She was active as a Sunday School teacher, Girls Club leader, and served in any capacity that was needed.

Myrna came to know Jesus as young girl when her older sister, Arcelia, took her to church. Myrna loved the Lord and had a heart that was concerned for the salvation of others. Even in her last years, she shared her concern for the people she met at the hospital and hospice. A verse that brought her great comfort was Deuteronomy 31:8, The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

In addition to Grace Baptist Church, Myrna's volunteer experience included Trinity Hospice and Christian Women's Clubs. She has volunteered with various charities throughout the years including American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, March of Dimes, and Kidney Foundation.

Myrna is survived by her children Curtis (Patrice) Nelson, York, PA, Dianne (Rod) Neufeld, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, Janet Sabados, Outlook, Saskatchewan, Canada and Brad (Julie) Nelson, Richland, WA;  stepchildren Vernagean Goertz, Langley, British Columbia, Canada and Cathy (Dennis) Stromme, Zahl, North Dakota, 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; sister Donelda Thompson, Duluth, MN, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Myrna was preceded in death by her parents, husband Willard, stepson and step daughter-in-law, Doug and Cheryl Nelson, siblings, Lesley Hoover and Arcelia Losby and step son-in-law, Lester Goertz.

No public services are planned at this time.