Mary Eva Egleston, age 88 years, 11 months and 19 days, of White River, SD passed away Friday Feb. 5, 2010 at her daughters’ home following a short battle with cancer. Mary Eva Egleston was born to Roy and Ruth (Morris) Gatton on March 17, 1921 in rural Mellette County, SD. She was the third of six children. Mary’s education included attendance at rural schools in Mellette County. She graduated from White River High School in 1938. She worked at the Bakery in White River for Ben Burr through high school for 10 cents per hour. Mary received a first grade teacher’s certificate from Springfield Normal College and taught at Happy Hollow School, in rural Mellette County for two years and one year in rural Stanley County. Mary moved with her family to Cody District in rural Mellette County in 1939, where she met Wesley E. Egleston while working for his mother at their home. They were united in marriage on March 13, 1943. They lived northeast of White River on Wesley’s folks’ homestead, which is where she continued to reside until her passing. To this union seven children were born, Naomi, Fred, Mary, Ruth, Martha, Winifred and Louise. Wesley and Mary celebrated 51 years of marriage, until Wesley passed in January, 1994. Mary was a member of the White River United Methodist Church, belonged to Otterman Legion Auxiliary from 1943 to present; SD Cowbelles (later called SD Cattlewomen) and Tea for Ten, and helped with numerous 4-H projects. Mary will always be remembered for her warmth, care giving, and honesty. Her home was always welcoming, with some of her grandchildren coming to live with her from time to time. Mary’s legacy is her family and the lives that have been touched by her. All the people who came in contact with her are better for having known her. Mary could never imagine the difference she has made in the lives of so many. Mary is survived by her children, Naomi (Doug) Krogman, Newcastle, WY; Fred (Ardeth) Egleston, White River; Mary (Tony) MacTavish-Perkins, Grand Junction, CO; Ruth (Jerry) Krogh, Buffalo, SD; Martha (Robert E.) Busby-Forman, Black Hawk; Winifred (Harley) Parsons, Newcastle, WY; Louise (Don) Loban, Volga; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one brother, Warren (Bonnie) Gatton, Solvang, CA; one brother-in-law, Albert Jans, White River and many nieces and nephews who were like her own children. Mary was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two sisters and two brothers.