Violet 'Marie' Wendt, 85, passed away April 16, 2009 at her home in Custer, SD.

Marie was born August 22, 1923 in Edgemont, SD to Charles and Wilma (Escott) Benson. She graduated from Hot Springs High School and then enlisted in the United States Navy. Marie married William Henry 'Bill' Wendt on February 17, 1994. Marie worked at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Hot Springs for thirty one years. Here she was a supervisor in the kitchen until her retirement in December of 1979. Bill, her husband of 61 years passed away in 2005.

Marie's life was centered around family and friends. She loved watching birds and planting flowers. She loved traveling with Bill, which was a big part of life.

Marie was a member of the Rebecca's, Cold Springs Historical Society a painting group in Custer and the United Methodist Church in Pringle, SD.

She is survived by one son, Gary (Susan) Wendt of Custer; one daughter, Pamela (Cameron) Taylor of Ten Sleep, WY; brothers, Clarence Anderson of Edgemont, SD; Chester (Sheri) Anderson of CA; Ian Snyder; three sisters, Wanda Wendt of Prescott, AZ; Esther (Harold) Waltman of Custer; Eunice (William) Holt of IA; eleven grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband; sisters, Wilma Curl, Marjorie Briggs and grandson Cameron Todd.

Memorial services will be held 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs, SD with Rev. Floyd Mills and Rev. Norma Mills officiating. Interment will occur at a later date.

Memorials in Marie's name may be made to benefit the Cold Springs Historical Society or the Pringle United Methodist Church.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.