Mary Lou Claussen, 90, of Martin, SD passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at the Bennett County Community Hospital. She was born April 8, 1931, to Colin Johnson and Joy (Deaver) Johnson, Tuthill, SD.

She grew up in Tuthill and graduated from Bennett County High School in 1949.  She worked in the family store in Tuthill after graduation and married Lloyd Claussen on April 30, 1950. 

Working from home Mary Lou was the bookkeeper for the local school district.  She also worked at the Bennett County High School, worked at the Farm Service Agency and managed the Crossroads Inn Motel.

She was baptized in the Tuthill Presbyterian Church and became a member in 1944.  She was a member of Eastern Star Chapter #171 and was Worthy Matron in 1965.  She belonged to the Beta Sigma Phi International sorority, the Tuthill Extension Club and volunteered at the Community Action Program.  She was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, she knitted and crocheted some amazing items for family and loved peanut butter.

She is survived by daughter Susan (Paul) Williams of Long Valley, SD, daughter Robin (Kenny) Stoner of Murdo, SD and son Dane (Kim) Claussen of Martin, SD, eight grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Colleen Heese and her brother-in-law Norman Heese.

Graveside rites will be Saturday, April 2, 2022, 10:30 am, at the Martin Community Cemetery.

A memorial has been established for the Bennett County Library and donations may be sent in care of Bennett County Funeral Service, PO Box 65, Martin, SD 57551.