Mary Elizabeth Regan

STURGIS - Mary Elizabeth Regan, 86, Sturgis, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 19, 2011, at Rapid City Regional Hospital surrounded by her family whom she loved so dearly.

Mary was born on Feb. 21, 1925, in Edgemont to Robert and Viola May (Trompeter) Blackney. She spent her childhood in Edgemont until coming to Sturgis to attend high school at St. Martin's Academy. The nuns at St. Martin's were like a second family to Mary. She lived and worked with them throughout high school, spending summers working at the sisters' hospital in Hot Springs.

While a student at St. Martin's, Mary met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Regan. They were married at St. Martin's Chapel on Nov. 3, 1944, by Fr. Columban.

Bob and Mary have lived in Sturgis their entire married life and have always been active in the community. Mary was a member of the Jayceettes, Zonta, Beta Sigma Phi and has been a member of the Golden Girls Bridge Club since it started in 1955.

Mary and Bob were a hardworking team. They owned and operated Mary's Apparel and the motel and lounge at Phil Town Inn. They also managed the Boulder Canyon Country Club for several years and the Bodega in Deadwood when gambling began in Deadwood in 1989.

Above all, Mary loved and took pride in her family. She delighted in decorating every room of her home for Christmas. We all looked forward to going to Grandma's house on Christmas Eve to open gifts and partake in her special cranberry steamed pudding. Mary was a great cook and made the world's best barbeque ribs. In the spring and summer, Mary's green thumb was reflected in the many beautiful flowers she planted in her yard.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 66-½ years, Bob; her four children, Kathryn (Gary) Lamberton, Pompano Beach, Fla., Dan (Mary) Regan, Sturgis, Kelley (Gale) Schipke, Rapid City, and Quinn (Sue) Regan, Sturgis; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert; her sister, Catherine; her great-granddaughter, Gwyn Regan; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dan and Agnes Regan; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Glenn and Tiny Burgess.

We love you and miss you, Mom. Rest in peace. No more pain. No more worries.

Visitation will be from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, May 23, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel. A Christian wake service will be offered at 7 p.m. at St. Martin's Chapel in Sturgis.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Father Arnold Kari officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

A memorial has been established to the St. Martin's Chapel Restoration Fund.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.