Mary Ellen Fried, age 89 of Sturgis, formerly of Meadow, SD passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at the Aspen Grove Assisted Living in Sturgis, SD.

Mary Ellen Fried was born in Auburn, ME, on June 10, 1930. She started school in ME. Mary Ellen and her family moved to SD in 1945. Mary Ellen graduated high school in Bison, SD in 1948. She then went to BHSU and after college she began to teach in Perkins County. Mary

Ellen was united in marriage on September 17, 1950 to Ted Fried at Grace Baptist Church in Bison. They ranched and farmed near Meadow, SD.

Mary Ellen left the beaches and forest of the New England area to move to the prairies of SD, following the death of her mother. She was sent to SD by train at the age of 14. The train stopped in Mobridge, SD so Mary Ellen got off to stretch her legs and do some window shopping.   The next thing she heard was the train pulling away from the station without her. She was able to catch the last train to Lemmon and was hoping the party that was coming to pick her up would still be waiting at the station.

She was anxious to return to the beaches and forest of New England, and vowed never to return to set foot in SD again. But as a young woman, she was swept off her feet by a young gentleman known as Ted. Needless to say her dream of returning to New England was not

important any more. She did however, always treasure lighthouses as her memory of her childhood home. So when you see a lighthouse, you can remember Mary Ellen.

Family was of utmost importance to Mary Ellen. One of the many joys of her life included her involvement with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed seeing the accomplishments of her family members as it brought her great joy, and she was always

their biggest cheerleader.

Mary Ellen was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Bison and had a love of music.

She peacefully entered heavens gates from her home, the Aspen Grove Assisted Living in Sturgis.

Keeping her in their fondest memories are her 4 sons and 4 daughters-in-law, Greg and Peggy Fried, Ron and Joyce Fried, Duane and Dawn Fried, Del and Pam Fried; 2 daughters and 1 son-in-law, EmiLou Ebarle, Kendra and Tim McIntyre; 15 grandchildren, Chris Fried, Teresa Sherrill, Scott Fried, Katie Gilbert, Sara Jo Fried, Lucas Fried, Jenni Powers, Levi Fried, Mark Ebarle, Nicholas Fried, Larissa Anderson, Micaela Burke, Michael Fried, Kellee Morgan, Katie Dworshak; 25 great grandchildren and in-laws, Herb Fried, Mildred Fried, Ruth Friez, Bob and Lillian Bohnet.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ted Fried, her parents and her siblings, Ken Chase and Marjorie Christian.

A memorial to Grace Baptist Church has been established in memory of Mary Ellen and can be sent to Greg Fried PO Box 57 Bison SD.

A Family Graveside service will be held at 2:00pm Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at the Bison Cemetery.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18