Mary Ann (Marek) Shaffer was born June 4, 1943 to Joe and Oma Marek in Gregory, South Dakota. She died February 9, 2016 at home at the age of 72.
Mary Ann was the eldest of three daughters. She grew up on a farm outside of Gregory until she was a senior in high school when she and her family moved into the city of Gregory. She graduated from Gregory High School and went on to attend Southern State College in Springfield, South Dakota. She worked for the clerk of courts before she taught elementary school for four years. On December 22, 1963 she married the love of her life, Gary Shaffer. To this union, two children were born: Teri and Jerry.
Gary and Mary Ann operated a dairy farm near Burke for several years before moving to their current farm south of Burke, where they continued their dairy farming. They raised cattle, sheep, horses, pigs and chickens. They operated S&S Hunting Service for several years where they met many people from all over the United States and created many lasting friendships.
Mary Ann enjoyed gardening, crocheting, antiques and rodeos. The most important part of her life was her family. She loved her husband, children and granddaughters dearly. She especially enjoyed when the granddaughters were able to spend part of their summers on the farm with their grandparents.
Mary Ann was a member of the United Methodist Church in Burke and she was a member of Jobs Daughters and FHA.
Mary Ann is survived by her husband Gary of 52 years of marriage, daughter Teri and husband Paul, son Jerry and wife Andrea and her mother Oma Marek. She is survived by three granddaughters; Jessica Bichler, Madisyn Shaffer and Skylar Shaffer. Her sisters; Joan McNeil and husband John, Cindi Pochop and husband Jeff. Sisters-in-law; DeElda Westby and husband Dale, Marlys Dotson, Brother-in-law Loris Shaffer and wife Jayne, an aunt and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her father Joe Marek and her in laws; Alf and Lucile Osnes.


Silent tear
Each night we shed a silent tear,
As we speak to you in prayer,
To let you know we love you,
And just how much we care.
Take our million teardrops,
Wrap them up in love,
Then ask the wind to carry them,
To you in heaven above.
-Unknown

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 15, 2016 at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in Burke, SD. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Burke. Visitation will be Sunday from 4 PM until 6 PM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke.