Mary Margaret Murphy was born in Pierre, SD, on October 21, 1934, to Marion and Claire (O'Donnell) Murphy. The family moved to a ranch north of Reliance, SD, when Mary was three years old. Mary attended school in Kennebec, SD, the Murphy Country School in Lyman County, SD, and graduated valedictorian from Notre Dame High School in Mitchell, SD, in 1952. Mary graduated from St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Mitchell in 1955 earning her Registered Nursing degree. This began a long career in nursing, retiring from Ft. Meade VA Medical Center in 1997.

Mary was united in marriage to Paul Burke in Reliance, SD, on January 18, 1956. To this union, eight children were born.

Paul and Mary settled in Whitewood, SD, in 1963 where Mary continued to live until February 2016 when she moved to Aspen Grove Assisted Living in Sturgis until her death.

Mary won the Miss Reliance competition for the Miss USA pageant in 1953. She was an avid bowler and belonged to the Whitewood Senior Center, the Red Hats, and NARFE. Mary was a member of 8-10 Club and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Mary Margaret Burke, 81, Whitewood, died Sunday, May 8, 2016, at the Lippold Hospice Suite of the Sturgis Regional Hospital.

Mary is survived by her eight children; son, Monte (Megan) and their children and grandchildren, Lindsey, Sunni (Justin), Dylan, Lennon (deceased), Ezrah, and Michael (Jacob); son, John (Carlene) and their children and grandchildren, Damien, Chris, Mason, Madelynn, McKenna, Katie (Jared), Zach, Zaiden, Zandria, Nick (Kimberly), Devin, Kyleigh, Jeremy, Adam, and Eric (Gabby) and Jayma; daughter, Monica and her children and grandchildren, Jeremiah (Anna), Jaylen, Savahna, Tucker, Brielle, Keagan, and Kendra (Zach); daughter, Melody and her daughter and grandchildren, Nichole (Rob), Rowan, and Marlee; son, Mark and his daughter and grandchildren, Jenica (Larry), Isabella, and Carsen; daughter, Michelle (Roger) and their children and grandchildren, Erin (Uriah), Dylan, Taylor, Kennedi, Tyson, Ireland, Maddie, Riley, and Dylan; daughter, Laurie (Jack) and their children, Jakob (Kasey) and Melinda; son, Shaun, and his daughter, Grace; siblings, Kathleen (Bob) Sherrell, Jim (Gay) Murphy, and Owen (Lois) Murphy; sister-in-law, Joan Lester; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; and cousins.

She was preceded in death by Paul on October 10, 1986. Mary was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, John Murphy; sister-in-law, Irene Murphy; nephew, Brian Murphy; and great-grandson, Lennon Lindberg.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Aspen Grove Assisted Living, granddaughter, Anna Burke, and the Lippold Hospice Suite Staff.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 10, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Rosary and wake services beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at St. Martin's Chapel in Sturgis.

Memorials have been established to the Lippold Hospice Suite and the Whitewood Senior Center.