Mary Frances (Gebhart) Moore was born November 6, 1944, in Dell Rapids, SD to Leo and Matilda (Klein) Gebhart. Surrounded by her family, Mary passed away March 9, 2024 in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 79 years. She was the oldest of their nine children. Mary grew up on a farm near Elkton and attended St. Mary's Catholic School as a child.  She graduated from Elkton High School in 1962.  After high school, she worked at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD as a nurse's aide. During that time, she met Bruce Moore. They were united in marriage on January 21, 1967. Bruce and Mary made their home in Beresford, SD. To this union were born three children, Steven, Gregory and Emily.

Once her children were of school age, Mary began an in-home daycare (21 years). She continued her love for teaching and caring for hundreds of children as the co-director of Bright Beginnings Daycare and then assisting at Watchpuppy Pre-School in Beresford. Her service to the many children and families that she loved like her own spans over 45 years.

St. Teresa Catholic Church became Mary's second home. She served in many volunteer roles including CCD teacher, member of Catholic Daughters, Altar Society, decorating during various seasons of the year, washing the linens, serving food and tending the flower beds.

Mary is survived by her husband, Bruce of 57 years of marriage; two sons, Steven (Mitzi) of Sioux Falls, SD, Gregory (Valerie) of Brownsburg, IN; one daughter, Emily (Tony Collins) of Olathe, KS; eight granddaughters, Madigan and Malley Moore, Olivia, Mikali and Avaree Moore and Jaida, Rayna and Sierra Collins. Also surviving is one brother, John (Pat) Gebhart of Yankton, SD; six sisters, Rita Harming of Brookings, SD, Alice (Wayne) Bramstedt of Denver, IA, Grace (Marv) Tofteland of Beaver Creek, MN, Rose (Al) Smit of Sioux Falls, SD, Monica (Bob) Anderson of Salem, and Annette (Doug) Stein of Aurora, SD; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law, Art and Evelyn Moore; one sister, Helen (Ron) Beckwith; three brothers-in-law, Bob Harming, Ron Chase, Gordon Moore; and one nephew, Andy Tofteland.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10AM Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Beresford, SD. Visitation will be 5-7PM Tuesday at the church with a prayer service at 7PM.