Mardis Rae McKenzie, daughter of James Bateson and Thora Kimball, passed away to her heavenly home on April 11, 2012, at the Gregory Hospital.

Mardis was born in Gregory, South Dakota on October 8, 1936 and passed away at the age of 75 years, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mardi graduated from Gregory High School in 1954 and attended Nettleton Business School in Sioux Falls.

Mardi married Kenneth H. McKenzie on August 14, 1955. They resided in Brookings, South Dakota, Ames, Iowa and Rapid City, South Dakota prior to establishing their home and Veterinary Practice in Burke, South Dakota in January of 1964.

Mardi was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Dr. Kenneth H. McKenzie of Burke, South Dakota; six children, 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; two sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. Her sisters are Mrs. Peggy (Jack) Raymond of Ainsworth, Nebraska and Mrs. Carolyn (Burt) Moore of Omaha, Nebraska. Her daughters are Kim (Lynn) Wipf of Topeka, Kansas and Dr. Jackie McKenzie of Burke, South Dakota. Her sons are Dr. Mark (Francine) McKenzie of North Platte, Nebraska; Kenneth (Edie) McKenzie of Mitchell, SD; Dr. Matthew (Bethany) McKenzie of Sioux Falls, SD; and Dr. David (Janis) McKenzie of Salina, Kansas. Mardi loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and loyal family pets. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Burke. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Burke. There will be a prayer service on Friday at 7:00 PM at the church. Visitation will be one hour prior to both services at the church.