Obituary: Mandy Hoyt

Mandy Hoyt

Mandy Lynn Hoyt age 45, of McHenry, N.D., passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side on the evening of March 4, 2022, after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Her visitation was Thursday, March 10 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington, and continued from 5:00-7:00 p.m., followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m., all at American Lutheran Church, Tolna, N.D.

Mandy's Funeral Service was held Friday, March 11 at 11:00 a.m., at American Lutheran Church, Tolna, with Rev. Stan Kwiecien officiating. Organist was Linda Luehring. Her burial will be at the Bethlehem Cemetery, McHenry, in the spring.

Casket bearers were Doug Ravnaas, Nathan Baker, Barry Hoffer, Neil Goss, Brian Hoffman, Tyler Goss, Brady Goss and Nolan Hoffman.

Honorary bearers were all of Mandy's nieces and nephews.

Mandy Lynn Baker was born April 9, 1976, in Harvey, N.D., to Russell and Beryl Baker. Mandy's childhood path took her from Harvey, to Fargo, to Finley and then in 1983 to Tolna, N.D., where the Baker family put down their roots. Mandy had a warrior spirit which was evident at a young age. Our mom and dad often tell the story of Mandy whipping cookies on her trike and being able to ride a bike without training wheels at the age of 2.5.

Growing up, it was quickly evident that that small, feisty, little redhead had some big talent on the basketball court. She was able to get some major playing time as an eighth grader on the varsity team for the Tolna Trojans, and eventually carried her team to the state tournament during her senior year, where she received All-State recognition. Some of Mandy's best memories and friends who were often rivals first, came from basketball. We truly believe the basketball court is where her grit and determination was formed and carried her through and prepared her for the 5.5 year battle with cancer.

It was in May of 2003 when Mandy met Ryan Hoyt. It was love at first sight for Mandy, when she caught a glimpse of that mustache and his cowboy ways. "Oooooo La La" is what Mandy would say. They were married in McHenry, N.D., on October 8 of 2005. She started working at Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Tolna and continued working there until she was no longer able to.

On July 2, 2009, Harlie Rae Hoyt was born to Mandy and Ryan, and on January 20, 2012, Logan Marie Hoyt was born and their family was complete.

You could always find Mandy at any sporting event of her own kids, nieces, or nephews. Family was the most important thing to Mandy in all the world. Mandy was truly in her happy place with her feet up in a lawn chair, sitting around a bonfire, visiting with her family at West Bay Heights.

After she was diagnosed with cancer, she was on a mission to "Live like she was Dying." She was able to take her family to Nashville with the Jack and Jill Foundation, and to Orlando and Disney World on an Inheritance of Hope trip, two foundations she was very passionate about. She also was able to take a family cruise to the Caribbean where they were able to swim with dolphins.

Mandy loved the farm and was so happy when the girls asked to start raising goats and being active in 4H. She was proud of their farm and all the animals they cared for.

Mandy never felt bad or wondered "why her?" All she asked for was a chance to fight and to make memories with her family. She taught us that we didn't have to look far to see someone who had it worse than her.

Mandy's true calling in life was to be a mom. She never missed a single activity of her girls. She fought as hard as she did so she could be present at each and every single activity of Harlie and Logan's. They have been the greatest gift she and Ryan were ever given. She was still at activities of theirs just 2 weeks before she passed away.

Ryan and Mandy truly lived out their vows in sickness and in health. Ryan took on the role of a wonderful care taker and devoted husband and father.

Mandy is survived by her loving husband of 16 years, Ryan; their daughters, Harlie (12) and Logan (10), of McHenry, N.D.; parents, Russell and Beryl Baker of Tolna, N.D.; sister, Heidi, and Neil, Tyler, Brady, and Dottie Goss of Devils Lake, N.D.; sister, Bobbi and Brian, Ellie, Nolan and Jessa Hoffman of Sutton, N.D.; maternal grandmother, Eleanor Hoffer of Harvey, N.D.; paternal grandfather, Grant Baker, Sr., of LaMoure, N.D.; mother-in-law, Sheila Hoyt, of McHenry, N.D.; countless other brother and sister-in-laws, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces and nephews and lifelong and best friend, Sheila Bolken of Grand Forks, N.D.; and the Wolf Pack sisters, the Mund Girls.

Mandy was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Donald Hoffer; paternal grandmother, A. Carol Baker and father-in-law, Vernon Hoyt.

Thank you to the Altru Cancer Center, Dr. Dentchev, Mayo Clinic and all the family and friends who have showed Mandy all the love and support over the last 5-and-a-half years.