Mary Petras Obituary

Mary J. Petras was born on December 2, 1921, to Linza and Belle Ora (Peck) Conlee on her parents homestead located five miles west of Kadoka.

She grew up on the homestead and attended rural school, graduating from Kadoka High School. Mary worked at various places in the Kadoka area including the Pearl Hotel – feeding the passengers off the daily train, having 20 minutes to get them back on the train. Also she worked at Kuhn’s on Main St. and cleaned the rooms for a number of motels, Sundowner, Silver Court, and Ponderosa, and lastly working in the kitchen of the Kadoka Nursing Home – her finally home.

She was united in marriage to Andrew “Andy” Petras on October 25, 1947, making Kadoka their home their whole married life. To this union five children were born – Gary, Wayne, Marcene, Andy, and Marsha. After the death of her husband on December 12, 2000, she continued to reside at their home, later moving to Gateway Apartments and Kadoka Nursing Home.

Mary was happiest working in her two garden spots out back of the house. With the grandchildren coming to help pick potato bugs or dig a crop of potatoes. Always with her apron on, she spent hours and hours canning and freezing for the winter months. Mary was not a big socializer but loved to visit when someone stopped by. She read her Bible daily.

Survivors include three sons: Gary (Linda) Petras of Kadoka, Wayne (Dawn) Petras of Augusta, WI, and Andy (Julie) Petras of Surrey, ND; two daughters, Marcene (Edward) Buehrer of Hartford, IL, and Marsha (Mark) Rayfield of Granby, CO; 20 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Andy; her parents; one grandson, Jamie Petras; two brothers, Andrew and Arthur Conlee; and five sisters, Mabel, Sylvia, Lucille, Helen, and Eunice.

A memorial is established to the Kadoka Nursing Home.

A visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, January 8, 2017, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, at the Kadoka Cemetery with Pastor Gus Craven officiating.

Guest Book

I have many fond memories of Mary and Andy when I was growing up as their neighbor! I also visited with Mary in the nursing home on several occasions. They were awesome neighbors and I will not forget their kindness! Rest in peace!
~ Jackie, Mason & Madison Stilwell Kadoka (5/15/2017)

Oh what GREAT neighbors Mary and Andy were we enjoyed their visit across the yard. Andy aiways wanted the kids to play basket ball baseball or any other game in their back yard. Mary alway bought garden stuff over for us to enjoy. Betrter neighbors you could not find . We love the Petras Family.
~ Bruce and Bonnie Madsen Kadoka S.D. (1/9/2017)

I will forever remember the amazing smell of Mary's fresh baked bread and rolls. Our family will always remember the kindness, selflessness, and wisdom this great lady has shared with us over my entire lifetime. R.I.P. Mary. thoughts and prayers to the family. May you all find peace and healing in your fond memories of her life.
~ Bill & Starla Brown Kadoka, SD (1/7/2017)

Oh Mary, you were so sweet and fun to visit with. We had many good chats about her family, garden and life in general. May you reset in peace. Hold the fond memories close to your heart.
~ Stacy Dole Black Hawk (1/6/2017)

Mary was loved by "all"! I will always remember her and she will be missed. I can always picture Mary with the little kids trailing behind, on their way down the street to Grandma Conlee's, and I can still her working in her garden. Gene
~ Gene Stevens Sioux Falls and Arizona (1/8/2017)

My condolences to the family. Mary was such a sweet lady. I just visited with her on Christmas Day at the nursing home. She was always smiling and full of kind words to say. She was such a good neighbor to us when I was growing up. She will be missed.
~ Ellie (Brown) Bettelyoun Rushville, Nebraska (1/7/2017)

What a privilege to have gotten to know Mary since we lived in Kadoka. Our thoughts and prayers to the family in your loss.
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (1/8/2017)

I remember many hours spent in the Petras home. Best memory is of making butter and then eating it with fresh homemade rolls. May her family remember all the good times with her. I know that I will be having many good thoughts of Mary. God be with you all.
~ Lorindagruhlke@gmail.com Dirks Gruhlke Mcintosh SD (1/6/2017)

This special lady will always hold a place in my heart. She will be dearly missed.
~ Heidi Coller Kadoka (1/8/2017)

Dear Petras Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
~ David & Mary Burnett Philip (5/5/2017)

Mary Petras

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, January 4, 2017
at the Kadoka Nursing Home at the age of 95

Service Details

Guest Book

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Mary Petras

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at the Kadoka Nursing Home at the age of 95

Service Details

Guest Book

Flowers

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, January 4, 2017
at the Kadoka Nursing Home at the age of 95