Mary Jane Cape, 96, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away July 24, 2026.   Mary Jane was born on March 25, 1930, in Hastings, NE to Ray and Jessie Dudgeon. She grew up on a farm near Trumbull, NE and graduated there. Mary Jane received her teaching degree in elementary education from Hastings College and taught school for 5 years in NE.

She met Howard Cape during her last teaching year in Dalton, and they were married June 13, 1954. To this marriage four children were born: Susan, Dale, Dean and Kelly. Their ranching career began near Chadron. Then, in 1959, Mary Jane and Howard bought a ranch west of Hot Springs, SD where she enjoyed being a home maker and ranch wife.

She was an active member of the Minnekahta Valley Ladies’ Club. Mary Jane was a Christian Education Director and a Sunday School teacher at the United Churches. She served on the hospital and election boards for many years. Howard and Mary Jane enjoyed many cross-country trips. After Howard passed in 1998, she continued to live on the ranch and joined Eastern Star where she was active for many years. Her trips in search of beautiful fall foliage continued, and she also enjoyed quilting, knitting, reading and doing puzzles.

Mary Jane’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. Her sister Betty was her closest friend, and they spent as much time together as possible. Everyone knew that if Mary Jane and Betty were together, the chatter was nonstop!

Mary Jane moved to Pine Hills Retirement Center in 2023 and enjoyed her time there. She loved to visit with the staff and was grateful for the wonderful care received from them and the Hospice staff.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister and infant brother Tommy.

She is survived by her children Susan, Dale (Billie), Dean (Nancy), and Kelly (Paula); grandchildren Adam, Michael, Stephen, Ryan, Sam, Molly, Kevin, and Tyler; great grandchildren Emilee, Jayde, Grayson, Parker, Ivy, Alexis, Teddy, and Henry.

Visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2026, at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the United Churches in Hot Springs, SD, followed by committal service at Minnekahta Cemetery.