Mary Ann Claeys

Hudson, SD: Mary Ann Claeys, 81, of Hudson, South Dakota, died Thursday, April 2, 2020 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Private family services will be held Saturday, April 4, 2020 at Hudson. Burial will take place at Eden Cemetery of Hudson. Porter Funeral Home of Hudson is assisting the family with arrangements.

   Mary Ann Claeys, daughter of William J. and Murlah G. (Jones) Vandemore, was born August 6, 1938 at Hudson, South Dakota. Mary grew up attending school in Hudson and was a cheerleader for the Hudson Trojans and was elected Homecoming Queen her senior year.

   She married James Claeys on September 8, 1961. To this union, four children were born; Shane, Shawn, Shanon, and Shaya. The couple divorced in the 1990’s. Jim died November 30, 2000.

   Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother. She had a strong hand in helping raise five eagle scouts, (three sons and two grandsons), and one paramedic, her daughter. Mary worked extensively to save the Boy Scout building in Hudson and place it on the historical registry. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary where she sold many poppies over the years.

      Survivors include her three sons, Shane (Nancy) Claeys, Shawn (Sandy) Claeys, and Shanon (Candy) Claeys; daughter, Shaya (Jim) Love; five grandchildren, Jake, Jesse, Jeremiah, Justin, and Amber; and four great-grandchildren, Kash, Kruz, Wakley, and Waylyn.