STURGIS - On Monday, May 19, 2008, Anna Mae started a new adventure when she transitioned from this life to the next. She was aged 89 years, 1 month and 18 days.

She was born near the Sisk family homestead, three miles southeast of Vale, on April 2, 1919. She was born during a time when Native American bands still camped nearby, during their travels between the reservations and traditional grounds, in the Black Hills area. Anna Mae was with us from the time of horse cavalry posts to the time of space travel. She was the fifth daughter of John C. and Nellie (Swisher) Sisk and joined sisters, Margaret, Ruth, Mary and Nellie Bell "Billie." She was subsequently spoiled by her sisters and was the apple of her father's eye. Anna Mae was born with a veil membrane, which had to be quickly removed to save her life. The two aunts in attendance, said this was a sign of clairvoyance. Anna Mae said that later she would have very clear premonitions and could find things others had lost. Her sons would agree that, without looking, she usually knew what they were up to. When she was aged six months, John and Nellie decided to move the family to the big city of Sturgis. On the way, a bad winter storm came in and it turned bitterly cold. The chickens strapped to the wagon froze to death. Nellie bundled the girls up and put baby Anna Mae inside her shirt, near her heart, to keep her warm. It worked and all survived. A couple of years later, Anna Mae and her father, John were both stricken with small pox and nearly died. This was, ironically, when the rest of the globe was reeling from the influenza epidemic of 1918-1921. At age six, Anna Mae was diagnosed with appendicitis and survived. She had spent so much time bed-ridden with the infection that she had to re-learn how to walk. Having dodged the grim reaper four times in six years, Anna Mae grew and prospered with her family.

Then came 1929 and the Great Depression. It is said that diamonds are formed with great pressure and heat. Indeed, Anna Mae had gone through a lot of tempering by age 10. The 1930's saw Anna Mae grow into a beautiful young woman and she even survived the great Sturgis bank robbery. In 1936, she met a new kid at Sturgis High School who had just moved to town from Huron. His family had come to the Black Hills because it was the only island of green for about 500 miles. Their relationship would span parts of seven decades. Melvin Hendrickson was a scrawny, tough kid that would become a boxer, soldier, teacher, father and mentor. He was even the mayor of Sturgis for a while in the early 1950's, as Anna Mae played her role as first lady. 1940 would see them wed and both working for the Homecraft Bakery in Sturgis, he for $12 a week and she for $8 a week. Mel would often say he married her for her money. Unfortunately, for their relationship and the Japanese Empire, Mel was also a corporal in the SD National Guard's F Company, 109th Engineer Battalion. He spent the next five years in training and in combat in Burma. After the war, they worked side-by-side as owners and operators of the Rainbow Milk Company in Sturgis. During this time, Mel also completed his degree at Black Hills Teacher's College and in 1951, started a teaching and counseling career at Sturgis High School.

Two sons were born to the union of Mel and Anna Mae: Lyle, the handsome one, and Linn, the smart one. Both sons reside in Sturgis and survive Anna Mae, along with seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. When Mel left to join his comrades at Fiddler's Green on Feb. 3, 1992, Anna Mae settled in as the family matriarch, historian and arbiter. She gave love to all and cut slack for none. During these last years, she beat cancer twice and never complained once. All who knew her wish her well on her new voyage and thank God they shared this part of the journey with her.

Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, May 26, and from 8 a.m. until service time Tuesday, May 27, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, with Pastor John Tesnow officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in Anna Mae's name for the Lippold Hospice Suite at Sturgis Regional Hospital. Those considering sending flowers may instead, if they wish, contribute to the memorial.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.