Mary Delores English passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024 at Firesteel Healthcare in Mitchell, SD. Funeral services will be a 2:00 PM Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Willoughby Funeral Home in Howard, SD. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery in Howard, SD. Funeral arrangements by Will Funeral Chapel, Mitchell, SD.

Mary was born September 16, 1945, and adopted by Vertis (Bert) and Francis Strickland.  Mary went to school in Chickasha Ok., graduating in 1963.  She was active in school and participated in cheerleading and the pom-pom squad.  She moved to Altus with the Family while still in her late teen's.  She eventually moved to Howard, South Dakota where she was married to Donald Eugene English in 1973.  She had two son's; Dwayne Allan Roby (from a previous marriage) and Daniel Lee English.  Mary loved her family and was a fierce defender of them when needed.

Mary loved any activities that were outside.  She was very much a Daddy's girl always wanting to be where Bert (her Daddy) was at, and the feeling was mutual.  She developed a love for animals at an early age, especially horses and dogs.  Mary was an avid horse woman who enjoyed riding and working with horses anytime she could and did so up into her mid-life.  She has had many animal pets thru the years but none more special to her than "Pugsley", her current and last dog.  The two were nearly inseparable with Pugsley definitely, being her companion in later years.  Mary and her family also ran a restaurant in Howard for a time where she interacted with many of the folks from the Howard community.  She always enjoyed visiting with her customers and just joking around with them.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Vertis and Francis Strickland.  She is survived by her long-time husband and lifelong friend, Don English, two sons, Dwayne Alan Roby of Howard S.D., Daniel English of Mitchel S.D. and her little brother Gary Strickland and his 3 children and 5 grandchildren, plus area friends and acquaintances.