Mary Hausner, age 93, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Friday, June 27, 2014, at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Mary E. Royce was born on December 25, 1920, to Howard and Martha (Lucke) Royce, near Oakes, ND. She was raised near Oakes, and attended Guelph High School. After graduation, Mary moved to the Minneapolis, MN, area where she worked for a while as a waitress. Mary later became a "Rosie the Riveter" helping with the war effort. She met James Hausner and they were united in marriage on April 18, 1948, in Mahnomen, MN. In 1948, they moved to Lengby, MN, where they owned and operated a bar. After two years, they moved to Mahnomen and opened a gas station. In addition to selling gas, they also had one of the area's first country stores filled with sandwiches, coffee, and quick treats for travelers and friends. They ran the store together until Jimmy's death in 1984. Mary sold the business and purchased a home on Main Street in Mahnomen where she has made her home since.

Although she had no children of her own, Mary was very involved in the lives of her nieces and nephews. Often they would spend the summer with her, and for many was a second mother. She had a wonderful relationship with extended family and always thought of others before herself. She had impeccable manners and was known for buying candy as a small token of thank you to those who helped her. Mary had a laugh that made everyone around her smile and she loved chocolate! In her younger years, she was quite a dancer and would be seen during every waltz or polka.

Mary truly treasured being outdoors, whether it was working in the field, caring for her lawn or taking part in outdoor sports. She was an avid hunter and excellent marksman, always getting the big buck or bird. Mary also enjoyed going to the casino, coffee at the Red Apple, and visiting with friends. Mary was a great businesswoman and still, in her 90's, loved to discuss finances and stocks. She taught many valuable lessons and touched many hearts.

Mary is survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Martha; her husband, Jimmy; one brother, Howard; and two sisters, Frances and Dorothy.

Funeral Services were held at 2:00pm on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. Visitation was held on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in Mahnomen.