Mary Jane Nelson, 81 of Spearfish, SD was born in Deadwood on March 4, 1937. She went to be with the Lord on October 20 ^th , 2018 at Rapid City Hospice in the Hills of liver disease.

She graduated from Deadwood High School in 1955, and she worked at Thorpe's Jewelry for over 20 years in several different areas in the business. She married the love of her life, Edward Nelson, on August 11, 1955. They celebrated 60 years of marriage together.

Mary enjoyed camping, painting ceramics, and recently her volunteer work at the Fish Hatchery in Spearfish for over 27 years and recently was honored at a tea party at the Fish Hatchery with her fellow volunteers and employees. She was awarded a pin last month for 3000 hours of volunteer work. She loved going every other day to help in any way she could. She loved the staff and the volunteers, and her friendship was a joy of her life. When her health did not allow her to drive anymore, she was broken hearted that she could not go to the Fish Hatchery any longer. She was involved in square dancing, Woman of the Moose Lodge, Woman's Club in Lead, and a Girl Scout leader. She recently returned to the Episcopal Church after one of her wonderful friends encouraged her to go on Sundays. They would take turns driving, go to church, then go out for dinner with conversation. This was the highlight of her week.

The Walton's were on in the afternoons on TV, which was her favorite, and she also loved what she called (her babies) on the TV show called Out Daughtered.

On Saturday mornings she was up early to watch the Pioneer Woman and she loved to watch the food network. However, she was not the cook in the family, as we found out after Eddie was gone. Mom really never liked to cook unless it was with Eddie by her side. They both loved to make Meat Pasties together and share them with family members.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Alicia (Tim) Heckel of Gillette, and Maralee Detimore of Spearfish; grandchildren, Ashlie Ellis, Mav Reller, Mackenzie Reller; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie; parents, George and Hilma Drake; siblings, Ted Drake, Peggy Wolfe and grandson, Brock Heckel.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 AM on Tuesday October 30, 2018 at All Angel's Episcopal Church in Spearfish. Memorials have been established to benefit the D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

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