RAPID CITY- Mary Louise Gilyard, 89, died peacefully on March 17th at Rapid City Regional Hospital Auxiliary Hospice House.

She was born on March 18, 1927 in Rapid City to Everett and Gladys Dawkins. She lived with her family through high school on Elmhurst Drive in the home built by her father. After graduating from Central High School in 1945, she left Rapid City to work as a telephone operator in Chicago. She returned home to marry the love of her life, Alvin (Gil) Gilyard, on Dec 7th, 1947. Together they had 5 children, Sheila Pesek, Casper, WY; Karen (Jerry) Anderson, Pinedale, WY; Pam (Cork) Fehr, Morris, MN; Dusty (Sue) Gilyard, Rapid City; and Tami (Tim) Vottero, Rapid City.

After raising her youngest child to grade school age she was employed at Rapid City Rehab/Hospital where she worked until retirement.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.

She is survived by her husband, five children, 16 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday, March 20, 2017 at Osheim and Schmidt Funeral Home.

Services will be at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Canyon Lake United Methodist Church with Rev. Eric Grinager officiating.

Burial will be at a later date at Black Hills National Cemetery.