Mary Elsie Porch was born on the North Place five miles from Kadoka, South Dakota on August 3, 1916 to George Tate and Maude Mable (Pettyjohn) Porch. She had two brothers, Harry Scott and Parley Porch, and three sisters, Hazel Scott Fowler, Lorie Dupree Hoskins, and Faye Briggs Sherburn.

She was married August 20, 1932 on the Jackson and Haakon County line to Mike Borbely. They took over the family ranch and made it through the depression with a growing family. On June 7, 1933, their first daughter, Elsie Roanna was born. Following soon was Richard "Dick" Parley on September 12, 1935. Twelve years later the baby, Linda Kay, of the family came along on August 11, 1947. Mary Elsie not only raised her own three children, but was always willing to help family and friends.

After many happy years of marriage she lost her husband, Mike, on February 8, 1975. Ten years later she lost her son, Dick, on May 3, 1985.

Her family and friends knew Mary Elsie not only for her kind heart, but her great cooking. Her children and grandchildren always talked about her cinnamon rolls and pies. She could bake "like no other" according to them.

Her seven grandchildren were dear to her heart. Elsie and Don Johnson’s children and spouses are Debi (Johnson) and Thom Richards, Mike and Sandy Johnson, and Becky Johnson and Ron Southworth. Dick and Margie Borbely’s children and spouses are Jodie (Borbely) and Mike Lehrkamp, Dixie (Borbely) and Tom Opheim, and Robert and Kim Borbely. Linda (Borbely) Miller and Bill Gropper have Lesa (Gropper) and her husband Greg Krajewski. Linda is now married to Jerry Miller. Mary Elsie also has twelve great-grand children: Cassidy and Tyler Johnson; Tosha, Lexi and Cade Opheim; and Michael and his wife Kori, Sig, and Carl Lehrkamp;

Michael James, Cheyanne and Mason Borbely. She also has a precious two-year old great, great-granddaughter, Paige, who loved to hug and kiss her.

Mary Elsie had a great life and left a lasting legacy in her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-grandchild who will miss her dearly.

Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 23, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Wednesday.

Funeral services were held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 24, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.

Interment will be in the Kadoka Cemetery.

A memorial is established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Wednesday, November 24, 2004 1:00 p.m.
Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Gary McCubbin
MUSIC
Jean Weller – Pianist
Vocal Duet
Maureen Palecek-Barb Bowen
"How Great Thou Art"
"Old Rugged Cross"
"Wind Beneath My Wings"
USHERS
Buster Peterson – Steve Jeffords
PALLBEARERS
Paul Briggs – Keith Bonenberger
Raymond Hicks – Larry Hicks
Roger Porch – Mike Struble
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Bud Weller – Lyle Stevens
Bob McCormick – Orville Josserand
Harold Schnee – Bernard Herber
And All Friends of Mary Elsie
INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota