Mary Cornelison

Mary June Cornelison was born June 19, 1933, in Salem, S.D., to James Lyle and Agusta (Vanheafte) Mock, sister of Gloria Mock (Slavin). The family moved to Canistota, S.D., for a short time, then finally settling in the San Diego, Calif., area. Mary graduated from La Jolla, Calif., High School in 1952. Immediately afterwards she began persuing a nursing degree while employed as a telephone operator in Anehiem, Calif.

On Nov. 25, 1953, she  married Ronald Cornelison, Jr. They moved to the Deerfield Lake (S.D.) area in 1954, operating a ranch there and raising their four children until Ronald’s sudden death in 1964. The family moved into Hill City, S.D., and Mary was employed by United National Bank, becoming the first female branch manager.

Mary dedicated her life to her family and the community. She served Hill City in many capacities such as mayor elect in the late 1980s and early 1990s, senior center Meals on Wheels, active volunteer senior sponsor and many other organizations, director of youth center and narrator of many Veterans Day memorial ceremonies for the auxillary. She was employed by many local businesses such as the Forest Service Ranger Station, Chute Rooster Restaurant, Best Western Hotel, Rushmore Cafe, Rafter J, RMA and many others. Mary served the St. Rose of Lima Parish as a dedicated member.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Terri) Cornelison of Ft. Pierre, S.D., Ronald (Linda) Cornelison and Jesse Shane (Vickie Millard) Cornelison of Hill City, Carolynn (Jefferson Davis, IV) Dulaney of Estancia, N.M.; 12 grandchildren, Barry, Joel, Jason, Keenan, Elizabeth and Travis (Macie) Cornelison, Paul (Jane), Jeremiah (Brianna), Kendra, and Cory Partin, Mindy (Derick) Bennett and Jefferson Davis Dulaney, V; two great-grandchildren, Logan Sanchez and Bailey Ryan Partin; and a sister, Gloria Slaven's daughter Monya; and many special friends and family.

Mass of Christian burial was Dec. 22 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Hill City with the Rev. Dan Juelfs presiding. Burial followed at Hill City Cemetery. Memorials have been established to  the Alzheimer's Association and the National Parkinson Foundation.

Her online guestbook is available at www.osheimschmidt.com.