Mary Ellen Pierret

Mary Ellen Pierret, age 64, of Garretson, South Dakota, died on Sunday, December 11, 2011, at her home near Garretson. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, December 15, 2011, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Garretson. Visitation will begin at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, with the family present beginning at 5:00 P.M. and a Rosary and Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 P.M. at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Mary Ellen was born on October 8, 1947, in Brookings, South Dakota, to LaMoyne Emmet and Doris Ann (Frank) Godbey and was baptized on November 2, 1947. At the age of 9, she moved with her family to Garretson and graduated from the Garretson High School in 1965. On January 27, 1968, she married Kenneth Pierret at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. She spent her days helping on the farm, raising her children and selling Avon Products. She also worked as a CNA at Palisade Manor. Following her mother’s death in 1978, Mary Ellen took over the role of matriarch in the Godbey family. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 18 years ago, but always kept a positive attitude and never complained.

Mary Ellen was a member of the Legion Auxiliary, St. Rose Altar Society and Garretson Birthday Club. She enjoyed camping, reading, and traveling. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt and will also be missed for her wonderful sense of humor.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Kenneth, Garretson; children: Todd (special friend, Sheri Dirito, and her children, Michael & Travis) Pierret, Garretson and Tracy (Adam) Alleman, Denver, Colorado; three grandchildren: Nicolas, Grace and Noah; siblings: Jim (Judy) Godbey, Sioux Falls, Tom (Karla) Godbey, Garretson, Cheryl (Larry) Neustel, Sioux Falls, Jeanne (fiance, Larry Robins) Meyer, Elkton, and Gayle (Alan) Franka, Britton, South Dakota and numerous nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her, parents and grandparents.