Mary Ellen Tautges, age 84, died on December 24, 2025 at Edgewood Senior Living in Brainerd.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather beginning at 9:30 a.m. before the service.

Mary was born on October 10, 1941, to Lloyd and Ollie (Simkins) Goodrich in Staples. Mary lived life with energy, honesty, and a good sense of fun. She loved girls' golf nights that somehow always ended with a toddy or two, traveling wherever curiosity took her, and dancing whenever the mood struck. A true people magnet, Mary always left an impression—often by telling you exactly how it was. She believed deeply in a strong work ethic and raised her kids on the rule of "work before play." After many years as a school bus driver, she was proudly loved by generations of kids who couldn't wait to ride her bus. Mary's laughter, spirit, and love for people will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by four children, Richard (Linda) Sisco, Katherine Thompson (s.o. Curt Gall), Penny (Kevin) Gallagher, Lisa (Paul) Schroer, six grandchildren, Terrell (Kelsey)Thompson, Tara (Dan) Blonigen, Christine (Parker) Nordeen, Emily (Alex) Goodson, Cassie (David) Marquette, Adam (Corrinna Renville) Schroer, several step grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Delores Flategraff and Diane (Richard) Gregerson; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bernard; daughters, Pamela and Paula Tautges and six siblings.