Mary "Lucile" Jorensen, known by many as "Grandma Pete" passed away March 24, 2010, at the Lippold Family Hospice Unit at Sturgis Regional Hospital.

She was born November 10, 1917, to John and Lois (Lamberton) Blair. She grew up at the Blair Ranch near Tilford, SD. Lucile was baptized at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis. She graduated from Sturgis High School in 1937 and the Spearfish Normal Teaching College in 1939. She then went on to teach school in Meade County Country School for 2 years.

She was married to Thomas "Pete" Jorensen on December 19, 1942. They made their home with their family in rural Tilford until 1981 when they moved to Sturgis. She later lived with her mother, Lois Blair, and many local residents remember seeing the 2 little gray haired ladies walking around town. Later, she lived at the Key City Assisted Living home and at the time of her death, she was living at Sturgis Regional Senior Care.

Lucile spent many hours helping in the kitchen at the First Presbyterian Church with funeral lunches, Election Day Dinners, and really enjoyed mixing eggs and later serving coffee at the breakfast for the Motorcycle Rally. She also thoroughly enjoyed the numerous hours spent with the Sturgis Senior Citizens Center. She loved playing in the "Hillbilly Band" and singing with the chorus. Many of the hours of her days were spent crocheting. Whether it be baby blankets, slippers, or Christmas ornaments, she loved working with her hands.

"Grandma Pete" will be missed by her family, including her son, Bob (Linda) Jorensen, rural Sturgis; daughter, Tootie (Ron) Florell, Holdrege, NE; daughter-in-law, Mary Jorensen, rural Sturgis; sister, Vesta (Fred) Cha, Sturgis; seven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Lucile was preceded in death by her husband, Pete; her parents, John and Lois Blair; her brother, Calvin Blair; and her oldest son, Gene Jorensen.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the caregivers that have been a part of Grandma's life.

Visitation will be Sunday from noon until 9:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 29, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis with Rev. Denzel Nonhof officiating. Burial will follow at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

A memorial has been established to the Lippold Family Hospice Unit.