With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Mary Anderson, 70, of Hurley, SD.
Below, a small portrait of a life that will not soon be forgotten.
The story begins in 1955, with the arrival of a life that would be cherished by many.
We measure lives in love, not minutes.
Mary (Schissel) Anderson, 70 of Rapid City, formerly of Hurley, passed away on April 5, 2026 at the Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City. A gravesite funeral service is planned for 23 July 2026, at 1100 am at the Davis cemetery. Lunch will be served at the Davis Legion Hall directly after the service. The family welcomes all who loved Mary to join in celebrating her life, sharing stories, and honoring the remarkable woman she was. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.Mary Alice Anderson Schissel, 70, of Rapid City, SD — formerly of Davis — passed away on April 5, 2026. Born on April 21, 1955, Mary lived a life defined by strength, compassion, humor, and a fierce devotion to the people she loved. She carried a presence that filled every room she entered, and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and joy.Mary grew up with a strong sense of family and caring for others, her values that shaped her throughout her life. She was the daughter of the late Darlene Schissel and the late Homer Schissel, and the sister of Craig (wife Deb) and Todd (wife Tammy). Her childhood roots in South Dakota grounded her, but her spirit was always open to adventure, connection, and new experiences.For more than 35 years, Mary served as a dedicated nurse at Pioneer Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home in Viborg SD. Nursing wasn't just her profession; it was her calling. She cared for patients with a blend of steadiness, humor, and genuine compassion. Her coworkers knew her as someone who could handle the toughest situations with grace, and her patients felt seen, comforted, and safe in her care. Mary's work ethic, loyalty, and heart made her a pillar in her community.Outside of her career, Mary embraced life with enthusiasm. She loved Camping and RV trips with her late husband, Robert "Bob" Anderson, creating memories that became treasured stories she shared for years. Her winter trips to Texas were a highlight in her later life, a time filled with sunshine, new friendships, card games that stretched long into the evening, and countless hours spent at the Watering hole. Mary had a gift for making friends wherever she went; people were drawn to her warmth, her humor, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome.Mary also had a few simple pleasures that brought her big joy including her well‑known love for Bob's grilling, and later Kyle's grilling, it was a joy, sitting outside with the smell of the grill, a cold beer, and good conversations with. But nothing compared to the pride and love she felt for her grandchildren. She rarely missed their sporting events, and when she was there, everyone knew it. Mary was one of the loudest, most enthusiastic cheerleaders in the stands, celebrating every play, every effort, and every moment. Her grandchildren: Ryder (Anderson), Ayonna, Lucas, Lawson, Logan, and Levi. They were the light of her life, and she poured her whole heart into being their grandmother. She was one of the best!Her faith remained a steady anchor throughout her life. Mary's strong ties to her church community gave her purpose, connection, and comfort, and she carried those values into every relationship she nurtured.Mary is survived by her son, Kyle Schissel (wife Kelsey); her stepson, Russell "Russ" Anderson; her grandchildren Ryder, Ayonna, Lucas, Lawson, Logan, and Levi; her brothers, Craig Schissel (wife Deb) and Todd Schissel (wife Tammy); several nieces and nephews; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Anderson, and her parents, Homer and Darlene Schissel, whom she loved deeply.Mary's presence will be deeply missed, her laughter, her strength, her stubborn streak, her generosity, and the way she showed up for the people she loved. Her memory will continue to guide, comfort, and inspire all who were blessed to know her.
