Her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, welcomed his faithful servant, Mary Ann Anton, into His loving arms on Monday, October 26, 2020. A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Ann will be at 10 a.m., Friday, October 30, 2020 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Joseph Evinger as celebrant. Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service with a rosary and vigil at 6 p.m. with Deacon Bob Zent presiding.
Mary Ann lived her faith in the Lord each-and-every day on this Earth and now celebrates with Him. As a final act of compassion and caring for her family, and to ease their sorrow, Mary Ann, through planning, has left the following remembrance of her Earthly life.
I was born on December 10, 1950 in Mobridge, S.D. to Ann (Bonogofsky) and John Degenstein, Sr. When I was four months old, my family moved to Hettinger where I lived until 1964 when we moved to Dickinson where I have made my home since that time.
I loved my growing-up years which are full of fond memories of spending time with my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandma in Flasher, Carson, and Raleigh. I feel so blessed to have had the love and stability of my extended family when I visited each summer in a time when everyone knew their cousins and relatives. It saddens me that families have more differences than common, loving bonds today. Please take some time to put aside differences and simply love one another without condition. All too soon, it may be too late to mend those fences.
At a young age, I learned that I attracted kids and animals like a magnet to metal, and I began babysitting at the age of ten. When I was sixteen, I got my first job as a waitress, and I remember how proud I was being able to go to the shoe store to get a pair of good-fitting shoes, so my feet would not hurt. Remember, there is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment when you have worked hard for what you get. Always believe in yourself and do not be afraid to reach for your dreams. You will never regret trying.
I love animals, and in order to be able to spend time around animals, I would volunteer to feed horses or calves for friends so they could get away for a few days, or to take the night watch during calving time so I could be with the animals. I remember being in awe when witnessing twin calves being born, and the mother accepting both calves. Sometimes the smallest things give us the biggest sense of satisfaction and knowing both calves were loved just warmed my heart. At another time, I bought 15 bottle calves and enjoyed every minute of taking care of them. Caring for animals teaches a person how important it is to be responsible because someone, or something, is depending on you. Loving someone or something always comes with a risk, but it is worth any risk you take, do not be afraid to truly give love. The love you give will always come back to you somewhere at some time.
In 1971, I married Douglas Anton, and to this union, two wonderful daughters were born, Shelley and Kristin. I love them more than I could ever measure. I wanted Shelley and Kristin to have the kind of memories I knew when I was growing up. Every family event and holiday were another reason for a family get-together to celebrate being a family and to make some memories. I love to cook and bake, so along with good food, there were games of horseshoes, volleyball, and softball in summer, and on Christmas Eve there was always a visit from Santa. At times it may not be easy to take the time to come together, but figure out how to make it work; you will never regret a minute of it, even if things aren’t always perfect. At times, it seemed impossible, but I figured out how to make it work, and it is worth every memory.
For over fifty years, I was a hairdresser, and member of the National Hairdressers Association. I loved every minute of my chosen profession which blessed me with many wonderful friends and memories. I always felt being able to use my creativity made it never feel like work. My clients and co-workers became some of the dearest friends to me. You never know when you are going to meet someone who may become a friend that you cherish. If you are a good friend, you will have a good friend.
My faith has been my guide and gotten me through some difficult times. Life gave me lemons at times, and I can assure you that prayer and faith will be a guide through the toughest of times. Remember to take time for others, give of yourself as the Lord has done for us. Live your faith every day, not just on Sunday. Be kind. Be compassionate. Be loving. Be a friend. When things get tough, look up!
At a Beginning Experience event, I learned to use journaling to keep my thoughts and prayers. It is a habit I kept because it gives me time to reflect on my blessings and my trials. Also, find a quiet place to spend time in prayer and thought. My rock garden and flowers were the places I found peace, calmness, and time to spend in conversation with God. There is nothing like a drive in the beautiful North Dakota countryside to find some calm and appreciation for the beauty of Earth.
Being a grandmother brought me so much joy and kept me feeling young. There is no love like that of a grandmother, and you must become one to know that feeling. I enjoyed wonderful moments taking walks with my grandchildren to see the wonder of little things, going for a drive in the country to see what we could see, and baking cookies and waiting for Santa to arrive on Christmas Eve. Give the gift of your time and unconditional love, these are the greatest gifts you can give. I hope my children and grandchildren will always know that I loved them unconditionally and without measure. Even when I am gone, I will be with you. I love you!
Those I have been blessed to have as family are: my daughters, Shelley Woodworth and Kristin Anton; my grandchildren, Lindsey, Chloe, Adrian, and Briella: my great-grandchildren, Malakai and Nevaya; my brothers, John (Carol), Dennis “Digger”, Roy (Cindy), and Lester; and my sister, Kathy (Steve) Bates; along with my many nieces and nephews. I will join my parents, John and Anne who preceded me to everlasting life.
I feel I have been blessed with many angels, both friends and family, in my life for which I am grateful to have known and loved. Live life to the fullest, use every minute well. Get busy on your bucket list!
Cross your arms………
Squeeze……………….
Consider yourself hugged………
