Mariah Loftness

Mariah Dawn Loftness was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on July 10, 2022, at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND. Mariah gave in death as she gave in life; Mariah gave the gift of life with many people in need through organ donation.

Mariah’s story begins on February 14, 1989, in Waconia, MN. The youngest child to Larry & Barbara (Bussler) Bumgardner, she came into this world via emergency c-section making a dramatic entrance from the very beginning with her charismatic personality. As a child, Mariah loved to ride bike around the circle drive, having epic water fights with her siblings (without getting wet), and enjoyed playing basketball & softball. Mariah graduated from New Century Charter School in 2007. Mariah was baptized on March 26, 1989 as an infant and made the choice to be baptized as a teenager, reaffirming her faith by Pastor Dan Moose.

On February 12, 2011, she was married to Anthony Richard Loftness in Hutchinson, MN. Together, they lived in Buffalo Lake, MN and Litchfield, MN, until finally residing at their beautiful country home outside of Elizabeth, MN. They gathered many friends & memories with every move. Some of Tony & Mariah’s cherished memories together include their simple day trips for sushi where they took the time to reconnect. Along with taking in the quiet moments together, they enjoyed making memories through adventure, with trips to Alaska & Costa Rica. Adventure was a significant part of their relationship. From the very beginning to the several adventures Mariah always had in the works. There is no denying, Mariah & Tony had mutual respect of each other and worked well as a team. Tony found encouragement in the way that Mariah pushed him every day to be a better husband, father, and leader in all that he did. Mariah brought out the best in everyone she was around. If you were ever having a bad day, she could help you through it to see and gain perspective. Mariah, well-known for her title as Mom, fiercely loved her children, Brody, Harper, and Rhett. She was their coach, cheerleader, and mama-bear, who was dedicated and creative. Mariah made it well known that her children were her “why”.

Mariah had a dream of creating a small boutique managed out of her home. She wanted to help women feel confident while having the ability to raise her babies at home. Mariah touched many lives through her boutique. Whether it was from helping someone find the perfect outfit for an event to simply being a friend, the way she ran her business was inspiring to many. She had an artistic ability and an eye for what looked good. While Mariah had her glam side, she was also a lover of the outdoors. She loved finding time to sit in a deer stand or wet a line on the lake.

Mariah is survived by her husband, Tony Loftness, and children Brody Richard, Harper Dawn and Rhett Del of Elizabeth, MN; parents Larry & Barbara (Bussler) Bumgardner of Park Rapids, MN; siblings Amber (Josh) Lamp of Twin Brooks, SD; Darren (Krista) Bumgardner of Bemidji, MN; Marc (Heather) Bumgardner of Milbank, SD; father-in-law & mother-in-law Kevin & Carol (Klinkner) Loftness of Hector, MN; sister-in-law Amber Loftness of Rochester, MN; grandfather Calvin (Jan) Bumgardner of Morris, MN; grandmother Ilene Bussler of Waconia, MN; grandmother-in-law Beverly Loftness of Buffalo Lake, MN;  nieces and nephews: Bryce Lamp, Ashlynn Lamp, Payton Lamp, Avery Lamp, Olivia Bumgardner, Brielle Bumgardner, Brynna Bumgardner, & Harkin Bumgardner; and loved by many aunts, uncles & extended family.

She was preceded in death by uncle Darren Bussler; grandmother Edna Bumgardner; and grandfather Delfert Bussler.

The family of Mariah, would like to express sincere thanks for the support, prayers and sympathy they received after the sad loss of Mariah. As it would be currently, impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our appreciation.

Visitation: Sunday, July 17, 2022, from 3-6 PM, at Bethel Lutheran Church and continuing one hour prior to the service at the church.

Celebration of Life: 11:00 AM, Monday, July 18, 2022, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.

Clergy: Pastors Rich Iverson & Dan Moose