Ryckman, 78


Mary Ryckman

Mary Ryckman

Mary Lee (Seymour) Ryckman, 78, passed into glory Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, at the Strasburg Care Center. She was surrounded by her family physically and spiritually.

A family memorial service was held Tuesday, Nov. 26, at the Pollock Memorial Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Randy Cloud officiating. Burial was held at the Dale Cemetery with Pastor Floyd Haan officiating. A celebration of life was held in the Cedar Fellowship Hall following interment.

Mary Seymour was born Sept. 30, 1941, to Albert and Martha (Wittmeier) Seymour. She graduated from Pollock High School in 1959.

She married Harold Ryckman on Oct. 15, 1960, and they lived on the farm in southern Emmons County. They welcomed three children, Beth, Spencer and Tracy.

Mary was very active in the church and community. She taught Bible Club for many years and was beloved by so many children. She drove school bus for the Union School District and was a member of the women’s circles and WIC. She took college correspondence classes through the University of Mary and obtained an associates degree in social work. Mary worked outside the home as a successful advertising representative for the Prairie Pioneer. She also wrote the “Dale/Winona” news for the Prairie Pioneer and Emmons County Record. She volunteered for Pride Industries, in Bismarck, N.D., and loved working with mentally handicapped people.

Her most well-known and beloved endeavor was her weekly column, “Maryment.” Readers were treated to her hilarious adventures traveling and thoughts about farming, community and life. She also wrote many touching tributes for her loved ones and life changing events such as empty nest, weddings of her children and the arrival of each of her grandchildren.

Mary’s greatest joys were her children, grandchildren, countless friends and her love of the Lord. She was a trusted and loyal friend, a champion of those who felt unloved or unwanted, and an evangel for God’s forgiveness and love. She will remain a shining light of laughter, kindness and joy. Her legacy will not be forgotten.

Happy to have shared her life are her husband of 59 years, Harold; her children: Beth (Ray) Serra of Burke, Va., Spencer (Mitzi)Ryckman of Independence, Iowa and Tracy (Pat) Schaeffer of Bismarck; her grandchildren: Anthony (Jenn) Ryckman, Adam (Brittany) Ryckman, Ben (Kristen) Ryckman, Brady (Shelly) Ryckman, Christopher, Tyler and Kasy Schaeffer, Joseph (Nika) Serra and Emily Serra; her great-grandchildren: Oliver, Nolan and Abram Ryckman, Finn and Mac Ryckman, Mikayla, Bennett and Lucy Ryckman, Mason Ryckman and Liam Serra; her brothers: Les (Kay) Seymour and Lowell (Mary) Seymour; and sister, Kathy (John) Rowerdink; brothers-in-law: Ronald Ryckman and Arlo Ryckman; sisters-in-law: Leona Schott, Verda Schaffer, Irene Ryckman and Mildred Vander Laan; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Chris; brothers-in-law: Harvey Ryckman, Gus Schaffer, Floyd Ryckman, Lawrence Ryckman, Steven Vander Laan, Al Vander Vorste and Sam Jackson; and sisters-in-law: Leona Seymour, Angeline Ryckman, Joann Ryckman, Gladys Seymour, Ann Seymour, Lenora Ryckman and Lillie Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Dementia Society of America: dementiasociety.org.

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