Mary Anne (Pavlas) Hemmingson, 97, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, was born November 14, 1928, in Cottonwood, South Dakota and was the oldest child of Mike & Laura (Washecheck) Pavlas. She grew up on her parents' ranch south of Cottonwood and attended school at Fairview Country School for 8 years and then completed and graduated from Kadoka High School in May, 1947.

Mary Anne was united in marriage to Norman J. Hemmingson on August 1, 1947, in Murdo, South Dakota. They resided in Kadoka and then to Salern, South Dakota. In 1958, they purchased a 160-acre farm near Pipestone, Minnesota, where they resided for 21 years. In 1979 they sold this farm and purchased 40-acre farm near Chandler, Oklahoma, moving some cattle and horses there. In June, 2021, Mary Anne sold this farm and moved to assisted living in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Mary Anne worked 37 years as a waitress in various restaurants. After that, she worked as a desk clerk. She enjoyed working out in the public and making many friends. While living in Kadoka she and Norman enjoyed square dancing on roller skates. She grew up and thoroughly enjoyed riding horseback. In later years, Mary Anne was known to have named all her cattle and could give you the history of each cow. Over the years, she enjoyed raising several sheltie and border collie dogs. She enjoyed baking, especially her homemade bread and pecan pies. Her hobbies included sewing for her daughters when they were small, crocheting and knitting, her specialty was Afghans, tatting, and beadwork.

Both her husband and parents preceded her in death, also her daughter Idona Hemmingson, her brother Frank Pavias and her grandson, Bruce Long.

Mary Anne is survived by her three daughters, Linda Long of Stillwater, OK, Kathleen Copenbarger of Hagerman, ID, Jean (Larry) Wiederich of Red Wing, MN; three sisters Jean, Anne, and Grace; 5 grandchildren, Richard, Stephanie, Joseph, Brent, and Jennifer; and 14 great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.