The family invites all those who would like to attend an open house Celebration of Life from 1:00pm - 3:00pm Saturday, June 20, 2026. Please RSVP Jason at (503) 247-8075.

Mary Barbara Poshusta was born to Ed and Clara Poshusta on August 12, 1937, in Calmer, IA, joining an older brother, Allyn. They moved to Howard, SD, in 1939, when Ed was promoted to manage the lumberyard.

She graduated from Howard High School in 1955 as Valedictorian and yearbook editor. She participated in theater and music, playing percussion with the high school band

She married James R. Walton August 10, 1958, at the Howard Methodist church, and they resided in Mitchell, SD, while completing college, where both were active in the choir. At this time, she was active with George McGovern, strengthening South Dakota's Democrat Party.

After college, she worked for many years part time at government jobs and as a teacher's aid. Her life long dream was "to be a wife and a mommy. Her sons Joshua and Jason came in 1961 and 1966, respectively.  Later, she found herself a single parent (divorce) of the two boys in her early 30's. She earned her teaching certificate and re-entered the work force full time.

She taught typing, accounting, and business classes at Whittier and Axtel Park Jr. Highs, and Lincoln and Washington Sr. Highs. in Sioux Falls, SD. She was an award winning FBLA advisor. She often worked for Manpower during the summer months.

She dedicated her home life to being a mommy, providing a full healthy and balanced diet for 2 hungry boys, limiting "treats" to a very reasonable healthy amount. She kept them involved in school sports and scouting. She also made sure they were regulars in Sunday school and church, attending First United Methodist in Sioux Falls.

She also remained dedicated to civic causes, assisting Rev. Sam Muyskens with Prison Ministries.

For herself, Mary was involved with bridge groups and active in Solo Parents, where she made lifelong best friends. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary.

After retiring in 1998, she became a poll worker for elections, and a volunteer hostess for Active Generations Tax Aid. She became an active member of Sages through the church, and played in the church's hand bell choir.

She loved Sports of all kinds, but especially NFL football, for which she kept notebooks each season of stats, personnel, and conference standings.

Like her father, she followed politics closely, keeping copious notes on political events, and passing that interest on to her boys. She also studied history, other current events, and saved news clippings she felt would be of interest to her family, well after the advent of the internet.
She was an avid WWII history buff, having lived through that time when even South Dakota was affected.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Allyn, and sister Becky (Lloyd Hegdahl).

Survived by her sons, Joshua & Jason (Caroline), grandson Seth, sister Jean, brother Jim (Elaine), numerous nieces and nephews, and their children.

Quotes from Mary:

"I don't understand how anybody could be bored – there's so much to learn and do."

"The only people who get bored are boring people."

"Make your own fun."

"Learn something new every day." (quoting her father)

And from her whole expanded family, good advice for all: "Drive safe!"

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, Boy's Town, or your own favorite charity.