Mary Lou Larive, age 98 of Belle Fourche, went home to heaven on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at the Rolling Hills Healthcare Center in Belle Fourche, with her loving family by her side.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the spring. Arrangements are pending with Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. Friends may leave written condolences and view a video tribute online at: www.LeveringtonFH.com

Mary Lou Solaas was born October 14, 1927 to Martin and Anna (Maher) Solaas at their home in Colome SD. She was the fourth and the only girl of five children, and she grew up in various areas of the Black Hills. Mary Lou greatly loved her four brothers, her brothers-in-law, her sisters-in-law, and her many nieces and nephews that she counted as her own.

While living in Spearfish she met Robert Larive. They were united in marriage on January 19, 1946. She made her own wedding dress and reported it was warm enough for shirt sleeves that day in January. Robert and Mary Lou lived and worked on various dairies in the northern hills area, as well as were employed at trucking jobs, all the while raising their growing family. Seven children were born: James, Connie, Gary, Paulette, Carolyn, Larry, and Mary Beth

In 1968 Mary Lou and Robert moved their family to the Kankakee, IL area to pursue better employment opportunities. Robert worked as a welder, while Mary Lou enjoyed being a maternity and surgical aid at a local hospital. She made dear life-long friends while working at the hospital. In 1975, Mary Lou and Robert moved back to the Black Hills where Robert again worked for dairies and ranches until his retirement, while Mary Lou and her good friend Alice owned and operated an upholstery business, as well as her other adventures during those years caring for the elderly and babysitting precious little people.

Some of her other joys were sewing, crocheting, and teaching others to sew or crochet. Using those gifts, Mary Lou was always making gifts or completing alterations for her kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and her dear friends. Many keepsakes of her artistry will always be held dear.

Mary Lou loved sharing her love for the Lord. She rarely missed an opportunity to pray with and to love on folks who needed it. She loved blessing others and was eager to give her time and resources to help others. She greatly loved her family and always said that her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were her greatest joys in life. Mary Lou lived very independently in her own apartment, even at the age of 98. Just this past month, due to an illness, she moved into the Rolling Hills Healthcare Center. The family is extremely grateful to the wonderful staff for the tender care Mary Lou received during her short stay.

Mary Lou is survived by her children: Gary (Kelly Brimhall) of Rapid City, Larry (Debbie) of Bradley, IL, Carolyn (Daryl) Grusing of Belle Fourche, and Mary Beth (Alan) Kindsfater of Belle Fourche; 17 grandchildren; and many great and great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, daughters Paulette and Connie; Son James; and her four brothers.