The family of Mary Ann (Arne) Kemmit, 83, of Turtle Lake, North Dakota, sadly announces her passing on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Community Memorial Hospital in Turtle Lake. Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September. 29, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Turtle Lake, with Brenden Bergquist officiating. Burial will follow at Turtle Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Mary was born on May 8, 1943, in Turtle Lake, one of four daughters of Henry and Lela (Burchell) Arne. She grew up and remained in Turtle Lake after marrying Lonnie Kemmit in 1963, building a life rooted in family, hard work, and community.

From 1964 to 1972, Mary owned and operated Mary Ann’s, her beauty salon in Turtle Lake. In 1968, she and Lonnie purchased the local bar from Joe Bauer, renamed it Lonnie’s Lounge, and operated it until 1983. Avid sports fans, they sponsored several local softball and bowling teams.

Mary later spent several decades working at Turtle Lake Rexall Drug, becoming a familiar, friendly presence in the community. After retiring, she returned to work as a cook at Turtle Lake-Mercer School from 2013 to 2016, continuing her lifelong commitment to serving and caring for others.

Mary will be remembered for her kindness, warm hospitality, and the joy she shared with others. She especially loved Christmas, making the season memorable for family and friends. Her coffee gatherings also created a welcoming place where everyone felt cared for and at home.

Mary is lovingly remembered by her children, Tammi (Troy) Sundby, Tony (Laurie) Kemmit, and Jaime Kemmit; her grandchildren, Amanda (Ryan) Siewert and Ashley Sundby; her great-grandson, Hudson Siewert; and her sister, Linda (Ernie) Schock, and many nieces and nephews. She is also fondly remembered by her beloved grand dogs, Stella Siewert and Jack Kemmit.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Lela Arne; her husband, Lonnie Kemmit; her older sisters, Jean Pailing and Delores Buchholz; her brothers-in-law, Donald Pailing and Norman Buchholz; her nephew, Jimmy Pailing; and her nieces, Sandy Pailing, Jodi Buchholz and Kristi Buchholz.

Mary touched the lives of all who knew her. Her kindness, warmth, and dedication to family and community will live on in cherished memories, treasured traditions, and the lasting impact she made on others.