Mary Anne (Parden) Crosswait, age 97, from Spearfish, SD passed away on June 13, 2024, at Edgewood Vista after a brief, courageous battle with cancer.

Mary was born on September 6, 1926, in Aberdeen, SD to George Emmit and Margaret Anne (Peschong) Parden. Her siblings were John (Jack) Parden, James (Jim) Parden, and William (Bill) Parden.  Mary grew up on a farm outside of Aberdeen and graduated from Aberdeen High School.  She graduated from Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, SD with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Physical Education. Following graduation, Mary accepted a teaching position in Lemmon, SD where she met her loving husband, Bill Crosswait.  They were married in Aberdeen on May 29, 1952, and were married for 60 years until Bill's passing in 2012.

Mary and Bill settled in Spearfish where Mary taught seventh grade science at Spearfish Junior High.  She loved teaching and believed that every student in her class could be successful.  She taught both of her sons and was always amused that Bob called her "Mrs. Crosswait" and Craig called her "Mom" in the classroom. She taught until her retirement in 1989.  Many former students asked about her and greeted her when they saw Mary in town.

Mary loved to hunt and fish.  She grew up hunting pheasants with her brothers in Aberdeen and was an excellent shot.  She also enjoyed hunting deer, antelope, turkeys, and elk with her trusty .243 rifle.  She was always ready for a fishing trip in Spearfish Canyon where she caught trout in "her secret spot."  She passed her love of hunting and fishing on to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  The whole family often went hunting and fishing together and had many adventures in the Black Hills.

Mary was a member of the National Education Association, South Dakota Education Association, and St. Joseph's Catholic Church.  Always the teacher, she taught CCD classes for the church education program.

Mary is survived by her children Anne (David) Degen, Robert (Charlene) Crosswait, and Craig Crosswait.  She is also survived by her former daughter-in-law Kimberley Crosswait and several nieces and nephews.  Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joys of Mary's life.  People had only to see her wall covered with pictures of  her family to know how proud she was of all of them.  She enjoyed telling residents and staff at Edgewood Vista about the accomplishments of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Her grandchildren are Katherine (John Schneider) Degen, Jonathan (Courtney) Crosswait, Benjamin (Bailey) Crosswait, Jenna (Michael) Undlin, Bethany (Devon) McMullen, and Rachael Crosswait.  Mary also has nine great-grandchildren: Tate, Aubrey, Briar, Brandt, Maggie, Marli, Karsyn, Collyns, and Wellington.  Mary was preceded in death by her spouse, her parents, and her brothers.

Pallbearers will be Mary's grandchildren.  Honorary pallbearers will be Mary's great-grandchildren.

Vigil will be at 5 pm on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at St Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish. Mass of Christian Burial will be at the church at 10:00 am on Monday, June 24, with Father Joshua Lee officiating.  A luncheon will follow the Mass with the burial at 1:30 pm at the Black Hills National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Mary and Bill Crosswait scholarship at Black Hills State University College of Education.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com