Mary Jane Ellison

November 2, 1924 - April 24, 2022

Mary Jane Ellison, 97, of Brookings, passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at Edgewood Vista in Brookings. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Inola, Oklahoma, beginning at 11:00 A.M. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Mary Jane Ellison was born on November 2, 1924, in Hereford, Texas to Alfred Lorraine and Ona Lee (Wilkinson) Ellison. She completed her elementary and high school years of her education in Belleview, New Mexico. Following the passing of her brother-in-law, Mary Jane and her sister Helen became wonderful companions, living together for over 40 years and helping to take care of one another. Each year they would bake each other a birthday cake for the celebration that was sure to ensue. The pair were truly the best of friends. Mary Jane was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church in Inola, Oklahoma. She loved being involved with their ministries, especially teaching the children at the church. In July of 2021, Valarie, Julie, and Jessica moved Mary Jane up to Brookings, South Dakota so that she could be cared for by her family. She resided in the memory care unit at Edgewood Vista. During her time in Inola, OK, Mary Jane had many special neighbors that helped care for her and are greatly appreciated. Mary Jane held many interests throughout her life including playing the piano and reading her Bible. She loved all animals, especially cats, and had several cats throughout her lifetime. Within the last year she had one very special cat named Larry. Mary Jane is survived by her nephews: Warren Glover, of Alma, KS, and John Glover, of Tecumseh, KS; niece Ruth Buchanan, of Topeka, KS; Great-Nephews: Mike VanDyke, of Madison, SD, Jacob Buchanan, of Topeka, KS, Dallas Glover, of Tecumseh, KS, and Dylan Glover of Tecumseh, KS; Great-Nieces: Valarie Resel, of Watertown, SD, Julie VanDyke, of Brookings, SD, Jessica Bach, of Brookings, SD, and Sarah Buchanan, of Topeka, KS. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Ona Ellison; her sisters: Helen Palmater, Margaret Glover, and Ona VanDyke; and her brothers: Horace Ellison and Charlie Ellison.