Kay Ardell Mahar

Remembering Kay (Bakke) Mahar

The family of Kay Mahar, age 88, formerly of Hickson, North Dakota, is saddened to announce Mom’s passing on October 15.

Mom lived a vibrant life filled with a love of entertaining, spending time with those she cherished, and enjoying anything and everything outdoors.

Many of you may remember Mom from her years of working at Gunkelman’s Seed in Grandin, North Dakota; St. Luke’s Personnel Department on Broadway in Fargo; The High-Ten Steak House in West Fargo; and Oxbow Country Club in Hickson, where her homestead was located. Others may remember the millions of homes she decorated through her business, KBM Wall-Paper and Painting, as the White Cloud bar tender at the Knickerbocker Liquor Locker in Hickson, ND and in her later years, at ages 85 and 86, she also worked as a paraprofessional at Roosevelt Elementary School in Fargo.

In accordance with Mom’s wishes, no formal service will be held. She asked that her ashes be scattered in a few meaningful places, and our family will gather privately to honor that request.

Mom, Kay, is survived by her husband, C. David Mahar, age 90; her daughter, Kristie Mahar-Ortiz, and her husband, Ollie Ortiz; and their children and grandchildren:

Nicole Ortiz and her children, Aubree, McKenna, and Brexton

Ashley Ortiz Schlenker and her husband, Scott Schlenker, and their son, Dawson

KC Ortiz

She is also survived by her son, Scott Mahar, and his wife, Mary (Fugleberg) Mahar, and their children and grandchildren:

Boone Mahar and his wife, Kelsie Mahar, and their son, Shepard, with another little one on the way

Colby Mahar and his wife, Olivia Mahar, and their son, Cullen

Tate Mahar and his wife, Reagan Mahar, and their daughter, Masie, with another little one on the way

Sawyer Mahar

(Please text or message one of us if you need David’s new address.)

We would like to thank everyone for the prayers offered for Mom’s comfort and for the strength and support given to our family during this time. We feel truly blessed to have spent this precious time together with her.

Mom’s final days were peaceful, joyful, and remarkably comfortable. As David’s, Kristie’s, and Scott’s families gathered around her bedside, there were plenty of stories, giggles, and laughter. Those moments together were a precious gift, and we will forever treasure the time we shared.

Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support as we celebrate Mom’s life and remember the joy she brought to everyone around her.