Mary Ellen Mitchell, 86, of Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away on August 26, 2026, in Rapid City after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on August 2, 1940, in Faulkton, South Dakota.

Mary built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. She earned an associate degree in Elementary Education from Northern State Teachers College in 1960 and went on to teach fourth grade in Fort Pierre, South Dakota. While she valued her work as an educator, most of her life was devoted to raising her six children and helping care for her beloved grandchildren. That devotion remained one of the defining gifts of her life.

She was a deeply family-focused woman whose proudest accomplishments included raising her six children, helping to raise her 14 grandchildren, and sharing 65 years of marriage with her husband, Jerry. To those who knew her best, Mary was the moral compass of her family. Sunday Mass was a constant in her home and in her life, and her faith guided not only her own path but also the lives of those around her. Even while traveling, that devotion never wavered. Alongside her strong convictions, she was remembered for a wonderful sense of humor and a joyful laugh that brought warmth to family gatherings and everyday moments alike. Mary loved all children, and her many grandchildren were a lasting source of happiness and pride.

Her days were also filled with many interests and acts of generosity. Mary was an avid bowler and spent many years in the Wednesday morning women’s league with the Halo Hangers team. Later in life, she took up golfing and joined both a women’s league and a couples league. She enjoyed reading, sewing, and walking with her friend group. She gave her time freely, volunteering for her children’s and grandchildren’s many activities and becoming a dedicated presence in causes and organizations that mattered deeply to her. She was very active in right to life and Birthright organizations, as well as the Catholic Daughters, where she received numerous awards for her work. At her local Catholic church, she served faithfully by teaching religious education classes, baking for funeral dinners, and working with the Dusting Angels cleaning crew. In every role, Mary offered steady care, quiet strength, and a willing heart.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Mitchell; her children, Linda and Roger Williams, Ron and Tonya Mitchell, Dale and Nancy Mitchell, Susan and Brian Wiedmeier, Brian Mitchell, and Mark and Tara Mitchell; her brother, Terry Myers, and sister-in-law, Lucila Myers; her sisters, Kathy Rea and Karen Eissinger; and her brother-in-law, Ron Jeitz. She leaves behind a family shaped by her example, strengthened by her faith, and blessed by her enduring love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Leo Myers; her sister, Jean Jeitz; and her granddaughter, Romy Mitchell. Their memories remained part of her life and of the family story she cherished so dearly.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Therese Catholic Church, 532 Adams Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, followed by a Wake Service at 7:00 p.m. A Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Therese Catholic Church. A luncheon will follow at the church from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Burial will take place that afternoon from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery, 20901 Pleasant Valley Drive, Sturgis, South Dakota.

Mary Ellen Mitchell’s life was one of steadfast love, faithful service, and joyful devotion to the people entrusted to her care. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.