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Remembering those who have left us. This obituaries page is a simple tribute to individuals who touched our lives. May their legacies endure in our memories.
Mary Jane 'M.J.' Lane Rohrs
8/25/1925 - 9/9/2009
Obituary For Mary Jane 'M.J.' Lane Rohrs
Mary Jane Lane Rohrs, M.J., our beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, born in Chadron, NE on August 25, 1925 to Glenn and Regina (Fisher) Lane passed from this planet on Sept. 9, 2009. Mary Jane was the picture of courage, wit, generosity, and intelligence and deeply devoted to God, country, and her family. She is survived by her three daughters, Barbara Flynn and son in law Jon Flynn of Rapid City, Linda Rohrs and long time companion Susan Ambrosius of Port Townsend, WA, & Roberta (Bobbie June) Madsen of San Jose, CA. Mary Jane was especially proud of her five grand children and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Dwayne Allen Rohrs who died in 1959 and her only sibling Roberta Lane Ebner who died in 2000. Mary Jane never remarried. Mary Jane was a scholastic achiever graduating from Chadron Prep High School in 1941 at 16 years of age. While attending Black Hills Commercial College in Rapid City she was trained as a lega1 secretary and met a handsome, local man and a terrific dancer Dwayne Allen Rohrs. They were married on June 12, 1943. It was WWII and they moved directly to Norfolk, VA where Dwayne was stationed in the Navy Reserve as an Admiral’s airplane mechanic and M.J. worked for the U.S. Government at the Norfolk Naval Air Station in the accounting and supply department. In 1945 the young couple returned to Rapid City and by 1949 was running their own family business, Black Hills Food Products, a potato chip factory with a Mt. Rushmore logo on their fresh chip package. In 1950 Dwayne and M.J. bought their baby boomer home where M.J. lived for almost 60 years. After raising her small children Mary Jane went back to work at Gibson Dakota, Inc. of Rapid City as an office manager and in the 80’s she worked for the South Dakota Geological Society as a secretary. Mary Jane loved to laugh and joke, square dance, work at a friend’s ranch, watch rodeo, and ride the range. Daily in her whole adult life up until a few days before her death, she completed the New York Times crossword puzzle with a ball point pen in record time! If not enjoying a western movie matinee, she would be found reading a novel or writing one of her entertaining letters. She enjoyed traveling and, until her protracted challenge with emphysema and heart disease worsened, was happiest when airborne at 30,000 feet. Devoted daughter Barbara, an especially kind and gifted nurse and her thoughtful generous and resourceful husband Jon lovingly cared for our dear mother Mary Jane at their home for decades. Along with their 3 children they created a happy, caring, and safe home for Mary Jane. Our entire family owes them a deep debt of gratitude. Barbara’s long time employer Golden Living Center in North Rapid and her co workers have been especially compassionate and understanding about her need to take extra time off to care for Mary Jane in recent years. Also Dr. Steven Waltman and his nurse Barb have been instrumental in her longevity. Mary Jane will be interred at the Black Hills National Cemetery outside of Sturgis alongside her husband Dwayne. At long last our precious Father and Mother are reunited. There will be a private, family only memorial service at the Committal Shelter. In lieu of flowers please send memorials to Hospice House of Rapid City. Dear Mom, We will miss your quick humor, warm smile, and kind heart! As we grow in years, we’ll remember what you told us about your sprouting white hair: Just because there is snow on top doesn’t mean there’s not a fire in the furnace! We Love You!
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