Marva "Muffy" J. Will

Marva J. Will (Muffy), 67, Hazelton, released her spirit to Heaven on March 11, 2018, at Sanford Health in Bismarck, surrounded by family. A memorial service will be held at Evangel Church, 3225 N 14th St, Bismarck, on Friday March 16, at 11:00 AM. Her nephew, Rev. Kaleb Graham, will be officiating. Muffy’s ashes will be spread at the appropriate time this coming summer. Family will greet guests starting one hour prior to the service at the church. Muffy was born August 4, 1950, as the 5th of nine children, to Richard Marvin and Lois Jean Patch in Williston, ND. Her early years were spent growing up in Williston until the family moved to Bismarck, in 1959. She graduated from Bismarck High in 1968. Her first son, Rick Welch, was born in 1969 followed by daughter Janine in 1970. A third child, Jeremiah Opp, was born in 1974, and son Joshua Opp, was born in 1980. Muffy was a talented artist and woodworker. Her flare for the creative was boundless; from running scroll saws in her shop to creating detailed knick-knack artistry to elaborate embroidery. Everyone looked forward to receiving these hand-made, heart-felt, soul-touched gifts from Muffy. She worked in many jobs and professions in her life. Muffy’s time on the farm allowed her to express her enormous love and passion for animals of all kinds. In her last jobs before her retirement, she served in an administrative assistant role and drove school bus in the Hazelton school system, endearing herself to all the students and staff she served with. Muffy loved everybody and everybody loved Muffy. In her retirement years, her constant companion was her dear little dog Sadie. Muffy is survived by her children, Rick (Karen) Welch, Wilton, Jeremiah (Tanya) Opp, Lisbon, and Joshua (Marin) Opp, Hillsboro; her grandchildren, Bryant Welch, Samantha and Mackinnon Welch, Christine, Hannah, Cameron, and Aubrey Opp, and Eddie and Vinny Opp, and great-grandson, Karter Welch. She will also be greatly missed by her mother, Lois Jean Patch; her siblings, Lana (Roger) Sundahl, Gig Harbor, WA, Linda (Larry) Weigel, Puyallup, WA, Debbie (Steve) Goetz, Mandan, ND, and Ron, Michael (Ruth), Jon (Cheryl), Bismarck. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Janine; her father, Richard Marvin; and her brothers, Billy and Rich.