Mary Ann Nietz arrived into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 7th at 1:10 am. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by her loving family at home.

Mary Ann was born to A.B. and Lucile Sell on July 15th, 1936 in Council Bluffs Iowa. They resided there through 6th grade when they moved to Ft. Dodge Iowa where she graduated in 1954. She attended Luther College in Decorah Iowa and graduated in 1958. While at Luther she met and married Eugene R. Nietz on August 24th, 1958. They resided in Austin MN followed by many moves including: Owatonna MN, Glendive MT, Gilman WI and Albuquerque NM. She moved back to Rapid City SD in 1993 where she resided until her death.

Of that union 2 children were born, Cindy and Tim. Mary Ann was a stay at home mom until 1981 when she taught in the Rapid City school system until her retirement in 2002. While working in the school system, she blessed many children with her patience and love. She was very active in volunteering at her church, Monument Hospital, meals on wheels and many others in her community.

She was "Grandma Nietz" to countless kids in Rapid City, Minnesota and Nebraska. Throughout her life she touched many people with her gentle spirit, patience and generous nature. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel valued and loved, whether through her heartfelt conversations, willingness to listen or comforting embraces. Family was at the center of her world and she cherished every moment with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a source of unconditional love and support, offering kind words and encouragement during both joyful and challenging times. She was the fun grandma who supplied the boys with homemade honey bear bottle squirt guns. Swam with them at the pool and attended more soccer, football, basketball games, track and cross country meets than one could imagine. In all these things, she cheered and encouraged her grandchildren to do their best. She spent countless hours relishing her Green Bay Packers beat her son's and grandson's beloved Minnesota Vikings.

Her grandchildren are also so thankful for the memories of bird watching, crafting, walks and hikes and hearing stories of her travels. They will never forget the warmth of her constant support and uplifting guidance she provided throughout their lives. Her love and grace to others will always be something that our whole family will always aspire to continue.

Her legacy will continue through the lives of countless people she touched. Her ability to always find the good in everyone and everything is a model for all to live by. We know she was embraced into the arms of Jesus with these ·words. " Well done well done, my good and faithful one! Welcome to the place you belong"

Thankful and blessed to have shared her life are Tim (Karen) Nietz, Michael (Hilary) Nietz, Tyler Nietz, Aaron Nietz, Cindy (Mitch) Six, Megan (Eric) Nielson, Thomas (Jenny) Six, Macie (Jim) Anderson, great grandchildren, Iyla, James, Rue, Soren, and Elijah, also many wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene, and her parents, Albert B. Sell and Lucile Sell.