Mayfield L. "Miff" Blair

Published April 13, 2018 at 6:37 PM

Mayfield L. "Miff" Blair, of Marco Island, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on April 3, 2018. Miff was born on May 6, 1923 to Blanche and George Johnson in Grafton, ND. She grew up on her parents' farm in Forest River, ND and graduated from Johnstown High School in 1941. Miff went on to attend the University of North Dakota. As an incoming freshman, the Grand Forks Herald chose to run a complete edition article and photos of her as the typical student at UND. She became an active member of the Delta Gamma Sorority and also played trombone in the UND Marching Band. It was while attending UND that Miff met the love of her life and beloved husband, Bill Blair. They were married on October 16, 1943 in Grafton, ND, and celebrated 74 years last October. They made their home and raised their 3 children in Grand Forks, ND, spending winters in Marco Island, FL and summers on Lake Bemidji, MN.

Miff had many things she loved, and was most proud of her family, her many friends, getting a hole-in-one twice at the Marco Island Country Club, and her perfect bridge hand along with the three other players at the table in Grand Forks. She enjoyed summers at their lake home in Bemidji, MN, skiing in the mountains, traveling, golfing, boating, and entertaining her family and friends. Miff was a longtime member of P.E.O. in Grand Forks and Bemidji, Eastern Star, and a member of Wesley United Methodist Church of Marco Island.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Bill, and her children, Bonnie (Craig) Woodward, Marco Island, FL; Cindy (Mark) Fliginger, Bismarck, ND; Robert (Heidi) Blair, Forest River, ND; as well as her 6 grandchildren, Karie Petit, Marco Island, FL; Ben Fliginger, Bismarck, ND; Blair (Mike) Lindsey, Bismarck, ND; Luke (Jill) Blair, Gilby, ND; Justine (Thomas) Loegering, West Fargo, ND; and Lauren (Morgan) Simonson, Grand Forks, ND; 11 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Corinne Alphson.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Miff's outstanding caregivers, especially Linda DeMartinis and Renate Groth.

A memorial service will be held for Miff at a later date in Forest River, ND.