Mary E. Goings

Mary Goings passed away peacefully early Tuesday. She was 99.

There will be a Memorial service for Mary Saturday, October 24th at St Lambert Catholic Church, 1000 S. Bahnson, Sioux Falls, at 1:00 p.m. Celebration of Mary’s life immediately following at the Church.

Born in Denver, CO to John and Mary Seach, she graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1934. She continued her education and graduated from Western Chiropractic College in 1937.

She moved to Rapid City, SD in 1942 where she began working in the war effort at Ellsworth Air Force Base as an electrician. She met Joseph L. Goings while working there. They married in 1943 and had seven children: Juanita, Joe (Pip), Sue (Roger) Drury, Jim (Betsy), M. C. (Dave) Lanpher, John, and Jessie (Gene) Malloy.

After being a homemaker, raising seven children, Mary was involved in civic organizations most of her later working career. She was active in the Arts Community and was at one time, a board member of Sioux Empire Arts Council, as well as, being a Past President of the South Dakota State Poetry Society and the Sioux Falls Woman’s Club. Her paintings and poetry were recognized in the community on several occasions. She received the EmTribute to Women Award in 2014, and the Mayors Award for the Arts in 2004. She was also an advocate for the poor and under-privileged, and worked in many capacities providing assistance to those in need.

She is preceded in death by her husband Joseph, daughters Juanita and Jessie, and granddaughter Danielle. She is survived by her remaining children, 19 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.

Memorials preferred to the family or Dougherty Hospice House, 4509 S Prince of Peace Place, Sioux Falls 57103.