Marilyn Rae Weinhandl Westlie Davis, 76, formerly of Minot, died Sunday, June 8, 2003 at a skilled care facility Palm Desert, CA, after a valiant battle with cancer. She had been living in Rancho Mirage, CA, and in Bismarck in recent years.

She was born July 8, 1926, in Minneapolis, MN, a daughter of A.R. "Al" and Ethel (Dahl) Weinhandl. She was raised in Mandan and Minot where she moved with her parents when her father became president of First National Bank. She married Gordon Westlie of Minot in 1947, and they had three children - Mark, Wendy and Todd. Marilyn and Gordon spent 32 years together. She later married former North Dakota Governor John E. Davis. They lived in Bismarck and Spent winters in Rancho Mirage.

Marilyn was active in a number of organizations in Minot. She was a strong supporter of Bishop Ryan High School. She was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church and the women's confraternity. She was a member of Republican groups and of the Minot Women's Symphony League. She acquired a reputation as a gourmet cook, and she enjoyed entertaining.

Marilyn had a generous heart on both a personal and organizational level. She was the hostess at a variety of fund raisings events that benefited a number of organizations. For several years, she chaired the baccalaureate breakfast served to Bishop Ryan graduates. She was a member of the University of Mary Board of Regents at Bismarck.

Survivors: sons, Mark Westlie, Minot, Todd Westlie, Rancho Mirage, CA; grandchildren, Tara Westlie, Michael Westlie, Amy Bridget Johnson Westlie, Sheela Mae Johnson Westlie and Taggert Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband, Gordon Westlie, her husband, John Davis, and her daughter, Wendy Westlie.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, June 16, 2003, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Minot.

Rosary Recitation: Sunday, June 15, 2003, at 5 p.m. at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Visitation: Sunday, June 15, 2003 from Noon until 5 p.m. at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Memorial preferred to the University of Mary at 7500 University Drive, Bismarck, ND 58504 or the American Cancer Society at PO Box 102454, Atlanta, GA 30368-2454.

Celebrant: Father Chris Walter

Homilist: Father Tim McGee, Pastor, St. Bernard's Catholic Church,Thief River Falls, Minnesota

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