Mary Haley, age 91, of Huron, died Thursday, February 23, 2017, at the Huron Regional Medical Center. Her funeral service was held at 10:30 AM, Monday, February 27th, at the First Presbyterian Church. Burial was held at 1:00 PM MST, Tuesday, February 28th at the Black Hills National Cemetery at Sturgis.
Mary Radcliffe was born to Ward and Cora (Hutchinson) Radcliffe on August 6, 1925, at the Radcliffe homestead in the Sand Creek Township. Shortly after Mary was born, her family packed up and moved to Elizabeth Lake, California. During her time in California, Mary was not to be found helping her mom with housework, but outside helping her dad and brother, John, with daily tasks on the farm. Mary's family was also joined by a little sister, Rose Ann in 1933.
Following Mary's high school graduation in 1943, she went to work for the defense plant making 16MM shells to assist in the efforts during World War II. During that time, she found the love of her life. Mary met William "Bill" Haley, a bus driver for Inland Stages, at one of her favorite cafes. It only took her a few short months to realize Bill was meant to be in her life forever. They were married 49 years.
After many jobs, cities and adventures, Mary and Bill eventually settled back in South Dakota: the place Mary always called home. Mary continued to work for a living, and found herself with a career she always dreamed of, telephone operator. Mary worked for the Telephone Company for 25 years in many different South Dakota towns, and was a proud member of the Telephone Pioneers of America until the day she died.
Mary and Bill retired to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In 1981, Mary's husband Bill fell very ill, and Mary's new job became taking care of her ailing husband. She stood by his side as his caretaker and support system until he died in 1992. Mary stayed in Sioux Falls, following Bill's death and lived there until she moved to SunQuest Village in Huron, South Dakota, in 2011. in order to be closer to her family. She lived in Huron until she died.
Mary was known for her love of faith and family. She was a proud member of the First Presbyterian Church in Huron, and the proud sister, godparent, and aunt of many fortunate people. Mary's favorite days were the ones filled with family and loved ones. She was never without a joke or interesting anecdote, and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to love her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; brother, John; and brother-in-law, Robert "Bob" Duxbury.
Mary is survived by a sister, Rose Ann (Radcliffe) Duxbury of Wessington; sister-in-law, Heather Radcliffe of Tucson, Arizona; two godchildren, Donna (Tom) Billesbach of Conception Junction, Missouri and Steve (Kathy) Beedle of Hillsboro, Oregon; five nieces and nephews, Neil (Brenda) Duxbury of Wessington, Kathy (Denny) Meyer of Huron, Dale (Sandy) Duxbury of Wessington, Dean Duxbury of Wessington and Brian (Tabatha) Duxbury of Pierre, sixteen great nieces and nephews; and eleven great-great nieces and nephews.