Mary Lou Stafford, 90, of Spearfish, South Dakota passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at her home in Spearfish.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, October 20, 2017 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. A private interment will be in Mountain Lawn Cemetery south of Lead, South Dakota.

Mary Lou Stafford was born at Langdon, North Dakota to Roy and Vera
(Witzel) McDowall. Her childhood was spent on the family farm. In 1945 she graduated from Langdon High School and went on to Valley City State Teachers' College. She later taught rural schools in Slope County, North Dakota.

In 1947 Mary Lou married Bud (Elmer) Stafford. They farmed with Bud's Dad southwest of New England, North Dakota until 1952 when they moved to Sheridan, Montana. Two years later they returned to North Dakota where they raised horses and cattle on a ranch north of Rhame. In 1969 they moved to the Black Hills and lived on the Rochford Road for twenty-nine years before locating to rural Spearfish in 1998. Bid was self-employed in construction until his health made steady work impossible.

Two girls and two boys were born to this union. After working as a school teacher in rural North Dakota, Mary Lou was employed for fifteen years as a secretary at the Lead Police Department. She also worked at the Hearst Library in Lead, later having employment as a seasonal worker at Gages' Gardens in Spearfish.

Mary Lou's life was enriched by having friends who shared her lifetime love of horses and riding. She also enjoyed gardening, reading and being an active member of the Church of God (7th Day).

Preceding her in death were her parents, Bud her husband of 61 years, and sister Lois Ramage and her husband, John. Survivors include: Kathleen and (David) Hoffart of Hampton, MN; Karen and (John) Kreidich of Kirkwood, MO; Randy and (Donna) Stafford of St. Paul, MN; Kenton Stafford of Scottsdale, AZ; four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

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.