Mary Ann (Erickson) Hammer of Page, ND went home to her precious Lord and Savior on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Zimmerman, MN surrounded by her loving family at the age of 84.

Mary Ann was born July 29, 1941, in Fargo, ND to Ernest and Myrtle (Thompson) Erickson. She was the youngest of 8 children. She grew up and attended school in Page. She continued her education in Fargo at the New York Hairdressing Academy. She worked at the Hillcrest Beauty Shop in Minot, ND, while living with her sister in Velva, ND. She met her future husband, Larry, waiting tables and setting pins at the Velva Bowling Alley. They were married October 7, 1962, in Page. They raised angus cattle and lived on the family farm until 1969 when they divorced because of alcoholism.  

She was a single parent for many years. Mary Ann owned and operated two beauty shops, one in Page and the other on Broadway in downtown Fargo. It was cleverly named, MaryAnn’s Beauty Shop. She was a smart businesswoman and a great mother.

Through a series of events in 1982 they both attended AA meetings and gave their hearts to the Lord. They were re-united in marriage on October 7, 1983. They eventually ended up back on the family farm in Velva where they raised and bred Arabian horses.

When you would ask Mary Ann how long they were married, she would reply, “Off and on for ____ years.” They ended up being married for 45 years in total. Their marriage is a story of redemption, healing and a true gift from God. They were so happy. They loved doing many things together: working on the farm, square dancing, doing craft shows, fishing & camping at Devil’s Lake, trips to Branson, home renovation projects (Mary Ann would dream it up and Larry would build it), eating ice cream every night, spending time with family and loving on all of the grandchildren. She endearingly earned the name “Grammy Hammy, the fun grandma”.

Mary Ann had the gift of encouragement and hospitality. She enjoyed planning events and parties with extra detail to make everyone feel special. She was an amazing cook. Her favorite foods were filet mignon and lobster with lots of butter. Wheel of Fortune was a staple in her life, and she was always down for a good rodeo. Shopping and gift giving brought her great joy.

In recent years she loved snapchat and she watched her snaps in real time. If you wanted to get a message to her, snapping was faster than texting. She enjoyed playing hand & foot (cards) with her family and friends in Page.  She took great pleasure in dancing and gardening. Her flowers were a true showcase. She was a snappy dresser, loving beautiful jewelry and great shoes.

Mary Ann was a patriot through and through and an avid Fox News viewer. She loved this country. One of her last projects was the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Page. While serving on that committee she helped with many fund raisers to bring improvements to the park.

Mary Ann is survived by two daughters: Wendy (Brad) Kupser of Zimmerman, MN and Chanyce (Brian) Dahl of Felton, MN, step son Jay (Jolene) Hammer of Gardner, ND; grandchildren: Zacharia (Katy) Kupser, Jesse Kupser, Levi Kupser, Hannah (James) Blosser, Caleb (Stephanie) Dahl, Katy Dahl, Erin (Alex) Monseth, Abby Dahl, Emma (Chance) Spilde and Karissa (Bailey) Endres; great grandchildren: Poppy, Waylon, Harper, Hazel, Hudson, Hadassah, Hollis, Daisy, Jane, Bodi, Wesley, Charlie, Gilbert, Everli and baby Spilde. Also surviving is her sister, Karen Knudsvig and sisters-in-law, Joann Erickson and Winnie Erickson.

She was preceded in death by her husband Larry of 45 years; grandchildren: Rachael, Rebekah, and Jacob Kupser; siblings: Ole (Joanne) Erickson, Vivian (Leslie) Kent, Larry (Maxine) Erickson, Joyce (Mac) Flickinger, John Erickson and Wayne Erickson; and a brother-in-law, Gerry Knudsvig.

In spite of her challenging years, God’s grace and mercy gave her and Larry a beautiful life together. It was a true testament of God’s faithfulness to His children. The family is forever grateful. She trusted her Lord emphatically. She had no fear in death. She danced her way through the pearly gates. She made it home, to God be the glory.

Visitation:  Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 from 5 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Page.

Funeral:  Saturday, Jan. 24 at 11 AM at Our Savior Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior.

Burial: Page Cemetery.   

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com