Marie Elanor Hosman Hendrickson, 88 of Custer, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2016, at Custer Regional Senior Center in Custer, SD. Marie was born in Pierre, South Dakota, August 12, 1928 to Stella Mae Vance and Joseph Anthony Hosman.

Depression years forced the family to move to Gettysburg, South Dakota where her dad ran a service station. It was in Gettysburg that she discovered her love of music. Since the family did not own a piano, she requently visited neighbors to develop her musical talent.

The family resided in Gettysburg until Marie's 3rd grade year when they moved back to Pierre where Marie's father managed a service station. As compensation for a bad debt Marie's Dad traded for an upright piano which further encouraged her passion of music. After her brother Jerry was born and became of age, many Sundays were spent at her Grandpa Vance's home where all the family could gather to play and sing Gospel music and enjoy a home-cooked meal.

Throughout school, Marie became the official pianist for the school chorus and other functions. She graduated from Pierre High School in 1946 with honors in music, shorthand and typing. She began working at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator shortly after graduation in 1946 and was employed there for 14 years.

Marie met Frank Hendrickson (on a blind date) while he was working for the Corps of Engineers. After a short engagement, they were married on March 19, 1948. They spent 50 years together.

Marie and Frank had three daughters: Rebecca Lee Holloway (Bob), Deborah Marie Hendrickson, and Kimberlee Jean Sander (Timothy).

They moved to Aspen, Colorado in 1968 and lived there for four years before their final move to the Black Hills in 1971. Frank and Marie loved the beauty and climate of the Black Hills and vowed it would be their home forever. They spent many weekends driving the country roads and touring the Hills.

In 1978, Marie and Frank opened Tinkerville Gifts in Custer which was in operation until 1984. Marie was a dispatcher for Custer County Sheriff's Department for many years and retired in 2001.

Marie spent her life loving her family. She reveled in gatherings with family and friends. She treasured music and passed this joy onto her children and grandchildren. She took great pleasure in baking and cooking, sharing her treasured recipes with anyone who would ask for them. She always had an abundance of flowers no matter where she lived and treasured her beautiful home, lawn and gardens.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband Frank S. Hendrickson, daughter Kimberlee Jean Sander, parents Joseph and Stella Hosman, brother, Jerald F. Hosman and many Aunts and Uncles. She is survived by her daughters, Rebecca L. (Robert) Holloway, Rapid City, Deborah M. Hendrickson, Custer, seven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 22, 2016, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Custer with Rev. Jodi Olson.