Mary Ann Kennedy

Mary Ann Kennedy, age 71, of Stuart, passed away Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, at her home in Stuart surrounded by her family.

Visitation was held from 3-8 p.m. with a 4 p.m. Altar Society rosary and 7 p.m. rosary on Friday, Jan. 27, 2012,  at the Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson.

Funeral services were held at 10:30  a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Atkinson with Father Luke Steffes officiating. Music was provided by organist, Terri Vrooman and vocalist, Bonnie Krysl.

Pallbearers were James and Amy Rogers, Kaylin Mapes, Nicole Isacksen, Brittany, Morgan and Payton Kennedy, Kelcie, Jake, Kassidy and Jordan Paxton.

Burial was in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Atkinson.

Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson was in charge of arrangements.

Mary Ann (Straka) Kennedy was born on July 26, 1940, in Stuart to Gertrude Straka. She was raised on her family ranch west of Atkinson and was cared for by her mother, uncles and grandfather. Growing up she attended country school and later graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1957. After graduation she moved to Rapid City, SD, and began working.

In 1960, she and Hale Kennedy were married. The first two years of their married life were spent in Norfolk, where she worked as a typist. The next 21 years were spent in Lincoln where Mary Ann spent her time working as a day care provider and lovingly cared for many children throughout the years, in addition to being a fabulous mother to her own children.

In 1983, Mary Ann moved her family back to the home place to run the ranch. During this time her love of giving as well as her involvement in the community blossomed. During these years she spent her time bowling, baking and bonding with her grandchildren. The exceptional care that she provided to her mother and uncles exemplified her caring and generous spirit.

Mary Ann was an avid gardener and happily shared the fruits of her labor with her friends and neighbors. She took great joy in being an excellent cook, mastering new recipes and sharing her kitchen creations. She loved to donate her time and efforts giving to the community and anyone in need. Mary Ann spent many years establishing herself as her grandchildren's greatest (and loudest) fan and supporter. It was evident to all who knew her that her family was her greatest source of joy. In later years she enjoyed traveling, seeing new places and making new friends.

In September her battle with cancer began. Despite her extreme bravery and unimaginable drive she lost her fight on Sunday. She will be missed dearly by all.

Mary Ann is survived by her five children: Dan and Julie Rogers, of Watertown, SD, Deborah and Peter Isacksen, Hermosa Beach, CA, Patrick and Sandra Kennedy  of Atkinson, Sonya Paxton of Stuart and Amber and Luke Vogel of Stuart; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

Her mother; two sisters; one aunt; and nine uncles preceded her in death.