Mary Lucy Neis, Dakota name “inyan duta waste win” – meaning “good pipestone woman”, age 54, of the Lower Sioux Community started her journey home on Monday, March 5, 2012.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 9 at St. Cornelia’s Episcopal Church at the Lower Sioux.

Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday until the time of service at the church hall.  Interment will be in St. Cornelia’s Cemetery.  Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mary Neis was born August 13, 1957 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Clarence and Eunice (Dow) Neis.  She was confirmed at age 12 into the Episcopal Church.  Mary attended St. Mary’s Episcopal Boarding School in Nebraska and Tacoma Community College in Washington.  She was a pipe carrier, and loved pow-wows and Randy Wood, Indian, and Motown music.  Mary was a loving sister and had a great sense of humor.  She was very humble and generous, and loved helping anyone in need, even if they were strangers.  Mary enjoyed Bingo, camping, the outdoors, and traveling.  She loved her family and grandchildren, especially the girls night out with children.  Mary had a free spirit.

Mary is survived by her children: Tyrone “Mato Tado” (Rianna) Hernandez and Dennie (Noy) Moore; grandchildren: Brandon, Bryce, Betty, Bethany, Brad, Bryant, Monica, Daina, and Ethan, all of the Lower Sioux.  She was a second mom and grandma to many.  She is also survived by her siblings: Bradford (Dorothy) Neis, Hope Two Hearts, Lydia Zephier, and Clarence Neis, all of the Lower Sioux; and many other relatives and friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents and a baby brother.