Maryetta Louise Wacek was born on January 31, 1922 to John H. and Hazel A. (Pickett) Crume at their home in the community of Texam northwest of White River, South Dakota. Maryetta grew up in western Mellette County and attended rural elementary schools there and White River High School, graduating in 1942.
Maryetta was united in marriage to Bernard Wacek on October 23, 1950 in the Sacred Heart Catholic church in White River. They then made their life-long home in White River. She performed various office jobs before and after their marriage until they started their own business, Wacek Electric, in 1956. She was the bookkeeper and sales person of the business working with her husband and son for over 50 years.
Maryetta was a member of Sacred Heart Parish for all of her adult life, and took pride in caring for the church and parish hall for many years. She is also remembered for teaching catechism classes for the parish children. Special moments in her life included church sponsored tours of Rome and the Vatican City, Israel, and Ireland.