Ann Pauline Stockert, 70, Belle Fourche, passed away peacefully Friday, June 17, 2011, in the Lippold Hospice Suite at Sturgis Regional Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be Monday from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church in Sturgis with Pastor Harold Holder and Pastor Andy Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Bear Butte Cemetery.

Ann was born November 27, 1940, in Gorham, ND, to Pete and Elizabeth Gawryluk. She grew up in the Fryberg, ND, area and attended school in Fryberg.

On November 1, 1958, Ann married Leonard Stockert. They lived in Amidon, ND, from 1958 until the fall of 1961 when they purchased a ranch south of Bison, SD, where they together farmed, ranched, and raised their five children.

In 1989, they purchased a farm east of Sturgis, SD, where they established another ranch. Choosing to retire in August 2005, they moved to Belle Fourche, SD.

Throughout her life, Ann served as a loving mother and homemaker, working alongside her husband in the farm and ranch operation. She also served in her local churches as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the ladies mission group, and baked goods for Vacation Bible School.

Ann loved to crochet, garden, raise chickens, and play games while entertaining. She also loved collecting cookie jars, salt and pepper shakers, and had a collection of ceramic frogs. She cherished her grandchildren and new great-granddaughter.

Her greatest love was her husband, family, and children. Ann loved the Lord. She was a woman of strong character and determination, having survived cancer in 1995 and battling lung cancer up until her death. Ann always encouraged others to live strong. Her greatest desire was to have other family members know the Lord as their Savior.

Ann is survived by her husband of over 52 years, Leonard, Belle Fourche; and her five children and their families, Leonard Jr. (Donna) Stockert, and their son, David of Lemmon, SD; Curt Stockert of Sturgis, SD; Darrel (Michelle) Stockert and their children, Michael and Jessica of Bison, SD; Brenda (Ron) Dragoo and their children Christopher (Ginger) Dragoo and their daughter, Layla, Stephen Dragoo and Heather Dragoo of Hettinger, ND; and Doris (Rick) Weber and their children, Kayleen, Rachel, and Winston of Orange, CA.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Elizabeth Gawryluk; two sisters, Vernette, and infant sister, Eva; one brother, Tony; and one infant grandson, Jeremy.

A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Northern Hills.