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Mary Ann Sheldon,80 of Spearfish, SD passed away peacefully at Edgewood Vista Memory Care on May 18, 2026.

Mary Ann was born in Huron, SD, the oldest of five children born to Claude and Alice Sheldon. She grew up on the family farm near Carpenter, SD. She attended a one-room country school 2 miles from the farm through 6th grade, then went to Doland for the remainder of her early education. Next Mary Ann went to Northern State University where she earned her degree in education.

Mary Ann taught elementary school in Huron for one year before she moved to Minneapolis. There she worked in various administrative positions. While in Minneapolis, she attended the Plymouth Congregational Church where she became active as a Stephen Minister. This inspired her to go into the ministry. She attended Andover Newton Seminary in Boston and later completed her Doctor of Ministry degree at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

Mary Ann served Methodist churches in Ellendale, ND, Minot, ND, and Miller, SD before retiring to Spearfish.

Mary Ann was active in the Spearfish United Methodist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir with her sister Ida. She also enjoyed the Rec Center, outdoor activities, spending time with family, and traveling.

During grade school Mary Ann started writing to a pen pal named Gabby in Graz, Austria. Their friendship lasted over many decades and she was able to visit Gabby and her family several times. Mary Ann included a niece and nephew in some of the visits with Gabby and her husband Ewald.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Ida Moshier. She is survived by her brothers Tom (Nancy) of Northfield, MN, Bob (Colette) of Burke, VA, and Willis of Huron, SD.

A memorial service for Mary Ann will be held at the Spearfish United Methodist Church on June 8 at 10:30 am. She will be buried at a later date in the Union Township Cemetery near the family farm.