Mary Jane (Rasmussen) Flyte

January 8, 1930 – August 25, 2026

Mary Jane (Rasmussen) Flyte, beloved mother, grandmother, family member, and friend, passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 96, while in hospice care in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Mary Jane was born on January 8, 1930, in Oral, South Dakota. She was one of 16 children born to Fred and Bethel Rasmussen.

On September 9, 1946, Mary Jane married Walter Louis Flyte. Together, they built a life rooted in love, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

Above all else, Mary Jane was a devoted mother. She raised four children: Mary JoAnn, Linda Jean, Franklin Louis, and Bonnie Lee.

Throughout her life, Mary Jane worked a variety of jobs, with her later years spent in the food service department at the Veterans Hospital in Hot Springs.

Mary Jane’s life was defined less by hobbies and more by service to others. While raising her four children, she gave freely of her time and energy to anyone in need. She was the heart of the Flyte and Rasmussen families, always helping plan reunions and keeping family connections strong.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Louis Flyte; her parents, Fred and Bethel Rasmussen; her son-in-law, Curtiss Weisz; and her fifteen siblings: Viola Donnafield, Fred Rasmussen, Harry Rasmussen, Ella Bahr, Fern Merwin, Charles Rasmussen, Alice Lake, Dorothy Morgan, Frank Rasmussen, Sarah Reitenbaugh, David Rasmussen, John Rasmussen, Edward Rasmussen, Robert Rasmussen, and Garry Rasmussen.

Mary Jane is survived by her four children, JoAnn (David) Bahr of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Linda Weisz of Gillette, Wyoming, Frank (Ruth) Flyte of Hot Springs, South Dakota, and Bonnie Flyte of Rapid City, South Dakota; her four grandchildren, Michele Bahr of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Julie Weisz of Gillette, Wyoming, Amanda (Jason) Lootens of Gordon, Nebraska, and Alexander Flyte of Hot Springs, South Dakota; as well as numerous dear family members and friends.

Mary Jane also shared a special friendship with her neighbor, Kim March. Together, they raised sheep, and Mary Jane especially loved caring for the lambs. As she grew older, Kim and her girls took over much of the work. Mary Jane also had another special neighbor, David Hupp, who helped her with numerous projects around the farm. Still, Mary Jane continued to find great joy in watching the sheep from her recliner as they made their way along the fence toward the corral for water. Those quiet moments brought a smile of joy and contentment to her face, even during the week before her passing. Her life reflected the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21.

Funeral services for Mary Jane will be held at a later date.