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Mary Ellen Lynass
1/26/1934 - 8/9/2026
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Obituary For Mary Ellen Lynass
Mary Ellen Lynass, age 92, went home to be with the Lord on August 9, 2026, in Burke, South Dakota. Mary Ellen was born on January 26, 1934, in Winner, South Dakota, to Walter Ira Steele and Maybelle Rose (Haag) Steele. Even at the end, she maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, and appreciation for the love of family and friends and expressed gratitude to God for her long life. She deeply believed she was put on this earth to praise God and spread his word. She loved to sing and dance, loved all the babies, but most of all, she loved and cherished her husband, Jack.
Mary Ellen’s childhood was spent on her parents’ farm in Clearfield, South Dakota, where she could often be found in the barn, while milking the cows with her sisters, standing on a milk bucket pretending to be Kate Smith singing God Bless America. She cherished the nuns and friends she had the privilege to meet at St. Mary’s Academy, a boarding school in O’Neill, Nebraska, where she was known as “Herc,” short for Hercules, as she would not tolerate bullies. After graduation, Mary Ellen won a regional and state talent contest for her singing, which took her to New York City to audition for the Ted Mack and Arthur Godfrey talent show. Opportunities were offered, but a real-life cowboy, Jack Lynass, had already taken her heart and she returned to Winner, South Dakota. Before marriage, she worked in the Tripp County Sheriff’s Office as deputy sheriff and jailer. They were married on October 17, 1953, in Clearfield. Their marriage was blessed with seven children, Lynn, Lori, Sherri, Bill, Brett, Jeff and Jack. In 1966, Jack and Mary Ellen moved their family to Miller. She and Jack also spent many good years in Pierre from 1980 until their retirement.
Our mom was born to be a mother. During her career as Mom, she also held the positions of Fabulous Cook, Household Executive and manager of one of the best producing gardens in town. She was a Den Mother, Scout Leader, 4-H leader, PTO President, Band Parent President (so many soup dinners), CCD teacher, Junior and Senior Church Choir Director and coordinator of all the good stuff moms do. Later, because of her love for working with young people, she worked as a substitute teacher and aide for the Special Education Department at the Pierre Indian Learning Center.
She was also one of “Those Moms.” One that insisted on good nutrition, exercise and chores, chores, and more chores, while never forgetting to make sure we had time for fun. One of “Those Moms,” always knowing where her children were at all times. Curfews were vital to her and strictly enforced. Friends (mostly boyfriends) were never allowed to just honk the horn; they had to come to the door. Absolutely no R-rated movies. Be respectful. Stand up straight and tall. Don’t forget to say your prayers. We thank God for giving us one of “Those Moms.” The world needs more Moms like her.
Mary Ellen could not wait for the grandchildren to come for their summer visits, which usually ended with tearful goodbyes. She was the cookie-making grandma. She was always willing to get into the pool with the kiddies even though she had a healthy fear of the water. She even kept a list of “Jokes for Kids” just in case one of them got a little homesick. No matter how many Grands were visiting, there was always room for one more in her bed.
Mary Ellen and Jack retired to Spearfish, South Dakota in 2001, where spending time with her children and grandchildren was still her favorite “hobby.” She enjoyed gardening, cooking, music, traveling and an occasional round of golf with her favorite cowboy.
Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Jack Lynass, parents Walter and Maybelle Steele, siblings, Joyce, Darlene, Carol, Maureen, Tom, and Chuck.
Mary Ellen is survived by those who will never forget the love she brought to their lives, her children, Lori Haspel, Dallas, TX, Lynn (Greg) Grassle, Ft. Myers, FL, Sherri (Bill) Carney, Sarasota, FL, Bill (Tamara) Lynass, Lead, SD, Brett (Karen) Lynass, Sturgis, SD, Jeff (Jan) Lynass, Ft. Myers, FL, Jack (Lori) Lynass, Rapid City, SD; grandchildren, Sarah, Steven, and Steele Haspel, Jana Letendre, Shannon Engel, Brendan Gill, Kassy Swanson, Spenser and Sam Lynass, Luke Lynass, Emily Carrels, Lana Paulson, J.C. Lynass, and twenty-two great-grandchildren, and siblings, Shirley, Arla, Margo, Allan, Doug, and Brad.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Mary Ellen’s memory to Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation (wsdcf.org) or Catholic Social Services (cssrapidcity.com).
Live Stream
Services
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 AM
Interment
01:00 PM
Tributes
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12 Trees were planted in memory of Mary Ellen Lynass - 08/20/2026
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9 Trees were planted in memory of Mary Ellen Lynass - 08/19/2026
Condolences
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08/23/2026
Dear Brett & family...so very saddened to learn of the death of your mother. What a life she lived...what a legacy she left for you. May those special times & memories love with you always. Hugs and prayers sent your way. In friendship, Bonnie.
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08/23/2026
With heartfelt sympathy, we send our deepest condolences to Mary Ellen's entire family during this difficult time. Mary Ellen was such a treasured friend to our family. We hold so dearly the special bond she shared with Thorian, a friendship that brought him such genuine joy and meant more than words can say. Her wisdom, her warmth, and her wonderful sense of humor touched everyone lucky enough to know her, and we will carry those memories in our hearts always. She will be deeply missed, and we feel so grateful for the time we had with her. With love, Andrew, Teresa, Thorian, and Ian
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08/21/2026
I think of Aunt Mary Ellen as a firecracker - beautiful, fun, small package but big reach. I remember her teaching us to shell peas at the river, researching in the Catholic Register whether we could go see "Blazing Saddles" (no dice), singing beautifully, cleaning an already pristine home, entertaining us with her stories of her courtship to Uncle Jack with a twinkle in her eyes, and getting the family to church on time without any chaos - what an organizer! Mostly, I remember her unabashed, vocal dependence on the Lord and how gifted by Him she felt to have a loving, pride-inspiring family. Know you all will miss your mom very deeply, and that she is interceding for you and singing glorious hymns to her Father.
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08/21/2026
To all the Lynass kids, So sorry for the loss of your amazing mother. Your family moving to Miller was a great addition to our neighborhood and to our little town, as your parents were influential leaders and change makers wherever they chose to get involved, and they passed this on to all 7 of you. Growing up next door was great fun as there were lots of kids to play with, and your house was always filled with music and laughter. Maryellen was a big influence in my childhood, and though many years have passed since I saw her, I thought of her often. She will be missed by many.
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08/21/2026
Mark and I would love to give you our condolences, Mary was a wonderful woman, she always made me feel like I was one of her own . She has a fantastic family , she will be missed dearly . Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you . Mark and D'Anna Schmidt
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08/18/2026
Lynass family, know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers. I sit, reminiscing about all the fun times we had, of hay stacks and such. What a privilege to enjoy when visiting my sister Mary Ellen as a child. Always with respect and honor. Bill, let it be known, what a blessed and wonderful job you did with your mother! Memories to keep and treasure, always! Your Uncle "the sage", Brad. . .
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08/14/2026
Jack and family, Thinking of you all during this time of loss. I remember meeting your mom once when you (Jack & Lori) brought your family to Arrowhead. I remember her being such a sweet, kind, and classy lady. Honor Evers
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08/13/2026
Dear Lynass Family, We at the Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation are humble and grateful for the extraordinary gift of her memorial. Please be assured of our prayers for her and your entire family. May the angels welcome her into paradise! Jim Kinyon and the board and staff of the Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation
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08/13/2026
What a joy, growing up with Mary Ellen and Jack and family as next door neighbors. My parents (Leonard and Kay Nelson)considered them great friends. I was just enough older than all the kids so I would occasionally babysit for them...thank goodness Lori and Lynn were old enough to help me out. Mary Ellen was always smiling and laughing and so positive! I knew that when I grew up and was a mom, I wanted to be just like her.
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08/12/2026
Brett and family, my sympathy and prayers of comfort during this most difficult time. I had the pleasure of meeting your delightful parents when I roomed in high school at Glen and Darlene's home, however, I had heard of Mary Ellen and Jack's name so often growing up that I felt like I had always known them! All of you are a beautiful tribute to your mother.
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