HIGHLANDS RANCH, COLO. –– Mary Helen Cronen (Miner), just shy of 71, passed away on April 25, 2025, in Highlands Ranch, Colo. Born on May 10, 1954, in Cavour, Mary grew up on the family farm, where she fondly remembered riding horses to school with her siblings and enjoying extra recess when the teacher fell asleep!
Mary met her husband, Joseph Cronen, in high school, and together they raised five children—Laura, Amy, Julie, Donny, and Sam—living in Huron and Lake Preston as well as Littleton, Colo. The family loved spending time together and creating lasting memories.
Family was everything to Mary, and she made sure to stay connected with her South Dakota roots, visiting regularly, especially for Thanksgiving. A true matriarch, Mary’s quick wit and ability to organize gatherings made her the heart of every celebration. Her last holiday, Easter, was spent with family, as she organized a meal for 25 and an Easter egg hunt for her grandchildren.
Mary will be deeply missed by her devoted husband of 53 years, children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Peggy Miner, and her son, Sam Cronen.
A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, May 18, at 4 p.m. at their home in Colorado. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the COPD Foundation.
