Mary Alice (Pearson) Oyloe passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on August 19th, 2024; what would have been her and her late husband, Eugene’s wedding anniversary.

Mary Alice was born on February 10th, 1940, at home on the farm to Robert Theodore and Ellen (Sebens) Pearson in Sargent County, North Dakota. She grew up in Rutland, ND alongside her older brother, Roy.

Mary Alice graduated from North Dakota State School of Science-Wahpeton with a business degree, then worked in Fargo at NDSU. She met Gene while visiting friends in Billings, MT, and they were married there on August 19, 1960. She worked at Mountain Bell as a switch board operator while Gene was attending college, and three children soon followed. Over the years she was involved in many cottage industries and volunteer projects as family and work brought new opportunities in Williston, Thermopolis, WY, back at the farm near Rutland, and Phoenix, AZ, before settling down in Williston, ND She had a wonderful voice and was involved in music and drama all her life. Many years with Entertainment Inc included a trip to England to perform. She really knew how to live it up getting her thrills riding motorcycle, fishing, camping, and beating everyone in whist, rummy, and Ms. Pac-man. She even took swimming lessons as an adult so she wouldn’t freak out on the boat when Gene took it out to the middle of the lake. Mary Alice and Gene owned and operated D & D Mobile Home Sales for many years in Williston, ND and “retired” as the Kirby (vacuum) Lady.

Her greatest joys involved anything with family and her life is a testament to her heart and the things she enjoyed most. Summer nights were spent in the garden behind her house – each new generation coming in and making the same memories as the ones before. She made the trip to Rutland annually to see old friends and attend the famous Uff-Da Day. She was always ready to party – continuously planning, prepping, and cooking for the next family birthday, anniversary, or monthly get-together. Mary Alice was the glue that kept the family together when life got busy; the gentle reminder of how important it is to make time for one another.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Eugene Oyloe; parents, Ellen (Sebens) and Robert Theodore Pearson; brother, Roy Arthur Pearson; and son, Robert Vernon Oyloe

She is survived by her children, Denise (Bob) Horab and David (Kim) Oyloe of Williston, ND; 5 grandchildren, Micki (Caleb), Ashley, Cody, Garrett, and Alyssa (Mac); and 4 great-grandchildren, Lacy, Easton, Rowdy, and Louella.

Memorial Contribution