Mary Louise Austin, 96, of Spearfish, South Dakota, passed away on August 12, 2025, at Edgewood Vista in Spearfish.

Mary was born August 25, 1928, to Vina and Esther Salmon and grew up 14 miles South of Deadwood where she attended Custer Peak Country School and graduated from Deadwood High School in 1946. After her schooling, she built a long and dedicated career with Montana Dakota Utilities, working for 43 years and earning respect not only for her work ethic, but also for the kindness she showed to everyone she met.

Mary was a member of South Canyon Lutheran Church for many years and spent countless volunteer hours there. She had a love of singing and participated in choir and other singing groups. She was proud of her Finnish heritage and had the special opportunity to visit Finland with her husband, Don. Mary also delighted family and friends with her cooking and was known for making the best-ever potato salad.

Mary's life was centered on family. She was married to Earl Hausle from 1948 to 1976 and later married Donald Austin in September of 1988. She is survived by her sons Don Hausle (Sandy) and Randy Hausle (Tina); her grandsons Ryan Hausle (Chaley), Scott Hausle (Jen), and Jake Hausle; her four great-grandchildren Brody, Brianna, Holden, and Madden; her step-daughters Donna Kay Fletcher (Jim), Amy Stec (Mike), Peggy Williams (Joel), and Johanna Soli (Bob); and her sisters Annette Oppedahl and Elaine Ketterling, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will remember her warmth and laughter.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Donald Austin, her parents Vina and Esther Salmon, and her brother Donald Salmon.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 10:00 a.m. at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. A luncheon will follow at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Spearfish. Burial will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Mary's legacy is one of quiet strength, love of her family, faith, and a life lived with dignity and grace. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Memorials will be given to Stillwater Hospice in gratitude for the compassionate care and support they provided to Mary and her family.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish.