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David Raybourn Ruth, Sr.
May 16, 1948 - July 23, 2012
David Raybourn Ruth Sr, 64, died Monday, July 23, 2012 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
He served in the U.S. Navy, from 1966 to 1969, during the Vietnam Era. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD in 1970.
“He was the world’s greatest Pop Pop. No other grandpa did what he did.” said Sedona his granddaughter. He loved his wife, Jerolyn and took very good of her. They definitely were soul mates.
He loved his birds and his garden. He and Brody (his dog) spent lots of days in the garden. The birds and Brody miss him. Also, his cat she won’t eat, so she will be following him soon.
He loved people and was a good friend, and always remembered everyone’s name. He went out of his way to acknowledge people. He touched each life he encountered in a very special way.
He was a funeral director, mining engineer (graduated from the School of Mines in 1988), logger, police officer, deputy sheriff, zone balance therapist, professional song writer and guitarist, dad, Pop Pop, husband, son, Mason and a Shriner.
He lived free, rode free and died free.
Survivors include his wife, Jerolyn, Deadwood; one son, David (Kerry) Ruth Jr, Deadwood; one step son, Ty Ferley, Rapid City, one daughter, Wendy (Gary) Darland, Lead; one step daughter, Natali Ferley (Fred Ormiston), Deadwood; five grandsons, Sundance Kemp, Jachin and Tanner Ruth, Braxton Ferley and Kameron Knodel; four granddaughters, Sedona Kemp, Taylor and Peyton Nunn, and Ava Ormeson; his parents Robert and Claramae Ruth Sr, Deadwood; one brother, Robert (Vicky) Ruth Jr, Elizabeth, CO; niece, Kelli Vicek; nephew, Brent (Barbara) Ruth; great nephew Jariar Ruth; two great niece, Montana Vicek and Alexandra Ruth.
A graveside service will be held 2:30 pm, Friday, September 14, 2012 at Black Hills National cemetery near Sturgis. Masonic Rites will be given by the Deadwood Masonic Lodge #7. Military honors will be conducted by the Sturgis Veteran’s Honor Guard.
A reception will follow at Jackie Murray’s cabin next to Cheyenne Crossing.
VIVIAN M. OBRADOVICH
June 20, 1925 - July 26, 2012
Vivan Obradovich passed away at home July 26th, 2012. While this is a sad time for her family who will miss her greatly, they are comforted that she is now joyfully reunited with her beloved husband. Born in Omaha, Nebraska on June 20th, 1925 to Roy and Zella McColley, Vivian Marie was the eldest of three children. Throughout her life, Vivian was a fun, free-spirited individual with a great sense of humor. On July 4th, 1948 she was united in marriage to Nickola (Nick) Obradovich. They celebrated 50 years of marriage before Nick passed away October 22nd, 1998. Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Nick; and siblings, LeRoy McColley and Beverly Phillips.
She is survived by a daughter, Sherri (LeRoy) Tolley; three grandchildren, Cory (Chelsea) Tolley, Jack Hubbard and David Tolley; eight great-grandchildren, Cody, Jack, Ann, Caitlyn, Noah, Nick, Courtney and Mariah; and dear friends Carol Schaffer and Donna Thayer. Vivian’s family would like to thank Angie for the care she provided to Vivian, allowing her to continue to live independently at home.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, July 31st from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Black Hills Funeral Home in Sturgis. Graveside services will be 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 1st at Black Hills National cemetery near Sturgis with Rev. Herbert B. Cleveland officiating.
Raymond F. ‘Smoky' Mason
RAPID CITY — Raymond F. "Smoky" Mason, 78, Rapid City, died Thursday, Oct. 4, 2001, at the Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls. He suffered with many illnesses, but heart failure was the cause of death.
Raymond F. Mason was born Sept. 14, 1923, in Holabird, S.D., to Frank and Martha (Halverson) Mason. He enjoyed his childhood with a family of six brothers and six sisters. Raymond attended school in Holabird and Highmore, and graduated from Highmore High School in 1941. He played five-man football, which is how he got his nickname "Smoky." He was running so fast, one of his classmates said, "Look at that smoke screen." It was shortened to "Smoky."
Smoky worked on a ranch south of Highmore for awhile, then joined Western Union. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on Nov. 22, 1944, and was assigned to the 304th Infantry 76th Division as radio repairman, 648. He served in the European and American Theatres and proudly fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was discharged Feb. 8, 1946.
On June 29, 1947, he married
Vera Moore, and they enjoyed 54 happy years together. Four children were born to this union: Sandra of Denver, Colo., Randy of Rapid City, Gary of Redfield, and Lori Mason Conger of Sioux Falls.
The family moved to Rapid City in September of 1951, where Smoky worked for Rapid Electric. Since that time, he worked on the missile sites and at Ellsworth Air Force Base. He was employed for 13 years at Manley Electric. On most jobs, he was the General Foreman or Foreman. He savored sharing the completed projects: banks, court house, television stations, Reptile Gardens, Black Hills Pack, and physicians' offices.
Smoky was a great story and joke teller. He would patiently tell the long involved story for everyone's enjoyment. He shared his "dry" sense of humor the world over, telling many a joke (some perhaps funny to no one but himself).
Smoky was a proud member of Local 1250 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for 40 years and President for the local for nine years. He helped originate the Local 1250 Credit Union and served on the credit committee as a loan officer for many years. He retired from electrical work in September 1987.
After retiring, Smoky and several other electricians donated their time to wire the new Thrift Store built for the Boys Club. Smoky enjoyed the employees of the store so much that he stayed on and volunteered for them. He did this until his death.
Smoky appreciated his children (their pets: Daisy, Harley and Smoky) and the many shared, family activities in the hills. He was proud to have had the love and caring from them. He was deeply loved by his children, who will miss him greatly, especially his sons and his big dolly and little dolly.
Smoky was the neighborhood Grandpa, happily playing Grandpa Smoky to many of the children and some of their children, too. He was always willing to share his expertise; he was very handy helping others with repairs and advice, often driving to help someone in his trademark 1979 gold pickup and wearing one of his many stylish sweaters.
At the age of 65, he was presented with his first grandchild, Sam Conger, a great addition to his life, then his sister LaRae, sister Ariel, brother Franklin, and twin brothers Brian and Richard were added and further brought pride and joy. He was saddened by the death of grandson Franklin in 1993.
In 1981, Smoky and Vera joined the dance club and took dancing lessons. They enjoyed many hours of dance festivals and weekly dance night with friends. Even with his arthritic knee, the knee felt better when the Cajun music played or the German waltz. Out onto the floor the pair would go.
He was a Life member of V.F.W. 1273 and the Rapid City Moose Lodge 1137.
Many happy mornings were spent at Perkins restaurant with each other enjoying breakfast and the kind and considerate waitresses, and all other staff.
He is survived by his wife, Vera Mason; his children, Sandra, Randy, Gary, and Lori (and husband Raymond); sisters, Mary Meek and husband, Floyd Meek, Holabird, and Phyllis Daleske and husband, Richard, McCallsburg, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; sisters and brothers, Eloise, Margaret, Robert, Jim, George, Don, Russ, Art, Ila, Evie; and one grandchild, Franklin Lee Conger.
Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, at Behrens Funeral Home in Rapid City, with the Rev. Doug Diehl, United Methodist Church Minister, officiating.
Cremated remains will be interred at Black Hills National cemetery near Sturgis following the memorial service.
Agnes I. Buntrock
ABERDEEN — Agnes I. Buntrock, 92, Aberdeen, died Thursday, Oct. 4, 2001, at Avera St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen.
Survivors include four sons, Blaine Buntrock, Brandon, Minn., Loren Buntrock, Naperville, Ill., Gary Buntrock, Sun Lakes, Ariz., and Sylvan Buntrock, San Antonio; one daughter, Audrey Paepke, Piedmont; one brother, Arthur Anderson, Phoenix; one sister, Clara Rasmussen, Las Cruces, N.M.; 14 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. today, with a prayer services at 8:30 p.m., at Miller-Huebl Funeral Home in Aberdeen.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Aberdeen, with the Rev. Ronald Laue officiating.
Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran cemetery in Columbia.
Frank Robert Collier
SUNDANCE, Wyo. — Frank Robert Collier, 43, Sundance, died in a logging accident on Oct. 4, 2001, outside of Sundance.
Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, at Fidler-Roberts Funeral Chapel, Sundance, with Rev. Gary Maier, officiating.
Frank was born Jan. 31, 1958, in Laramie, Wyoming, to Roy and Gaydell (Maier) Collier and named for his paternal grandfather. He was raised 24 miles southwest of Laramie in the Harmony Community. His 8th grade class was the last to be graduated from the two-room Harmony rural school.
All through his youth, Frank was an active member of the Harmony Hustlers 4-H Club, and one of his award-winning 4-H photography projects received national recognition from Eastman Kodak. While in high school, he was in the Snowy Range chapter of the Future Farmers of America, with whom he was on crop- and plant-judging teams.
He graduated from Laramie High School in 1976, received an Associate of Science degree from Sheridan College, and a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics from the University of Wyoming. He helped operate the family ranch northeast of Sundance, worked as a logger, and for many years also worked for Mid-States Wool Warehouse in Belle Fourche, S.D., as a wool grader and certified A.S.I. classer. He enjoyed his jobs and loved working in the forest.
Frank was a history buff and an authority on the U.S. Civil War, with an extensive collection of Civil War books. He enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including listening to a wide range of music from bluegrass to grand opera. Frank was very kind to his two dogs, who lived long, happy lives. Never a big spender, he still owned and drove the first vehicle he ever bought, a 1969 Chevy pickup.
Frank was an active member of the Christian Science church in Spearfish, S.D., serving in many capacities, including treasurer.
He was active in the Farrall Volunteer Fire Department and was currently a director of the Farrall Rural Club. His warmth, humor, and kindness wrapped people and animals in his love.
Frank is survived by his parents, Roy and Gaydell Collier, Sundance; two brothers and a sister: Sam (and Pamela) Collier, and Kaitlyn, 17, and Jake, 11, of Albany, Ore.; Fred (and Kristin) Collier, and Trinidad, 1, of Eugene, Ore.; Jenny (and Jim) Gilbertson, and Ray, 17, Corina, 16, Earl, 12, and Kathleen, 6 weeks, of Sundance; also one uncle, the Rev. Gary E. Maier (and Nancy) and four cousins: Karen, Jonathan, David, and Kathleen; two great-aunts: Thelma Allison and Florence Morgan; and many good friends. His three nieces and four nephews were very important to him.
Memorial donations in his name may be made to the Injured Loggers Fund, Humane Society of the Black Hills, Sundance Volunteer Fire Department and emergency services, the Farrall Fire Zone, or a charity of your choice.
Fidler-Roberts Funeral Chapel, Sundance, has been entrusted with arrangements.
Calla Madge Sullivan
SPEARFISH — Memorial services for Calla Madge Sullivan, 94, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8, 2001, at Church of All Angels Episcopal in Spearfish, with Father Bunker Hill officiating.
Calla died Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001, at David M. Dorsett Health Care Facility in Spearfish. A memorial has been established to the Art Sullivan Scholarship Fund at Black Hills State University, Spearfish, S.D.
Calla was born December 10, 1906, in Belle Fourche, S.D., the daughter of George B. and Edna (Miller) Ross. She graduated from Nisland High School and went on to receive her teaching certificate from Chadron College. She taught school in Harrisburg and Goodwin, S.D. She married
Harry J. "Art" Sullivan on June 13, 1927, at Spearfish, S.D. They lived in various places in South Dakota, returning to Spearfish in 1950 when they purchased an insurance agency. They owned and operated the Sullivan Insurance Agency until 1971. Calla then worked for H & R Block into the 1980s.
She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and the Church of All Angels in Spearfish.
She is survived by two sons, John and Bev Sullivan, Willmar, Minn., and Robert and Wanda Sullivan of Jacksonville, Fla.; two daughters, Marlys and Bob Sell of Billings, Mont., and Darlene and Les Claseman of Elsberry, Mo.; two nephews, Jim and Larry Ross of Belle Fourche, S.D.; 16 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on Sept. 15, 1991; and several brothers and sisters.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carlsen & Aldinger Funeral Home in Spearfish, S.D.
Mildred ‘Millie' Peterson
UPTON, Wyo. — Mildred "Millie" Peterson, 79, Upton, died Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2001, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Survivors include one daughter, Lynne Whitmore, Powell; four sons, Richard Peterson Jr. and Michael Peterson, both of Upton; John Peterson and Chris Peterson.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, at Upton Community Center.
Burial will be at the family ranch south of Upton at a later date.
Worden Funeral Directors of Newcastle is in charge of arrangements.
Rose Helen Walker
SPEARFISH - Rose Helen Walker, lifelong South Dakota resident, died of natural causes at Sandstone Manor in Spearfish, on Oct. 26, 2001, just sixteen days shy of her 100th birthday.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Helen was born in Eagle, S.D., on Nov. 11, 1901. Her parents, Vaclav and Katerina (Brtna) Kapsa, immigrated from Czechoslovakia and settled in eastern South Dakota in 1899. Eight children were born to them. The family, with seven living children, moved to Harding County and homesteaded there in 1911. Helen attended a one-room elementary school near the homestead and high schools in Newell and Belle Fourche, where she earned her high school diploma. She is the last remaining member of her high school class of 1919.
For the next ten years, she taught in many rural one-room schools in western South Dakota and attended classes at Spearfish Normal to earn her teaching certificate. In 1930, she married
Anzley Walker and lived on their ranch in Harding County near Redig until his death in 1951. They had two children, Dean and Donna Rose. Helen resumed her teaching career after Anzley died, and taught in rural schools in South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana until she retired in 1972. She was an outstanding and beloved teacher and left a rich legacy to her students. She earned a BA in Education from Black Hills State College.
She moved to Spearfish in 1972 and lived there until her death.
Helen was an active member of the Spearfish Senior Citizens Club, the Half-Century Club and the Senior Citizens' Chorus. She volunteered for the RSVP. She was a member of the United Church of Christ, where she taught Sunday School and was a member of the Church Circle. She volunteered in the local elementary schools by teaching reading.
Helen traveled to many places throughout the world and within the United States. She made three trips to visit relatives in Czechoslovakia, trips she treasured, going to Europe a total of four times. She took several senior citizen bus trips throughout the States and traveled with friends in a van along the Alaskan Highway to see Alaska. She drove to Washington, Colorado and California during summer vacations and after she retired, spending weeks at a time with her daughter and family, visiting nieces, nephews and friends along the way. Eventually, she began to fly for longer, more distant places, but she drove her car locally until she was 94 years old and hated to give it up!
Helen became an expert Scrabble player and challenged all comers! She loved to sew, play cards, and make things for her grandchildren and family. Her homemade jams and jellies, especially apple butter, wild berry and plum were eagerly anticipated by the family each year.
Helen is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Barbara Walker, Spearfish, and her daughter Donna Rose, Orange, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Bruce Banning, Connie Poundris, Bernie Banning, Callie Hollander, Peg Casarez, Pam Freed and Trish Walker; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Martha Brunson, Spearfish; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and six siblings.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Spearfish Senior Citizens Center, 1306 10th St., Spearfish, SD 57783.
Fidler Funeral Chapel of Spearfish has been entrusted with arrangements.
Grace Florence Strain
WHITE RIVER - Grace Florence Strain, 91, White River, died Thursday, Oct. 25, 2001, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Grace Florence Strain was born May 3, 1910, in Murdo, S.D. At the age of three, she came with her parents, Charles and Alice Astleford, to the northern end of Mellette county where her folks homesteaded and later ranched. She graduated from Murdo High School, attended Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish and taught in rural schools in southern Mellette County, in the Ring Thunder area, before marrying Eugene Strain in 1931. They ranched in the Little White River area before moving to the town of White River in 1936.
She was a housewife and mother to three boys, David, Don and Mick. After her husband, Gene, was discharged from the Army in World War II, they returned to ranching and White River main-street retail businesses and started Strain Seeds in the 1950s. In 1961, they built the Thoroughbred Motel that she operated for 16 years.
She and Gene enjoyed traveling and, over the years, visited Mexico, Hawaii, Europe, Canada and the people-to-people agriculture tours of Russia, as well as extensive travel in the United States.
Grace was a White River Women's Club member, United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women member, and charter member of the Ring Thunder Extension Club. She served as a Communion Steward for the past 10 years of the White River Methodist Church. Grace was one of the originators of the present White River Library and served as a volunteer library worker for more than 20 years.
As a member of the White River Chapter No. 126, she served in numerous stations of Eastern Star during 60 years as a member of the chapter, and served as secretary for 34 of those years. She was chosen to serve as Worthy Matron in 1943. Her last position in Eastern Star was Grand Page at Grand Chapter in the year 2000.
Survivors of Grace are three sons, David Strain of Rapid City, and Donald and Mick Strain of White River. Surviving brothers and sisters include: Merril, Warren, Herb and Sybil Astleford and Ruth Hrachovec; 12 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.
Her parents, husband, five brothers - Bob, Gerald, Kenneth, Howard and Melvin Astleford, and one sister, Lotis Jonescheit, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29, at the White River Methodist Church, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, at the White River Methodist Church, with burial at the White River cemetery.
Isburg-Hofmeister Chapels of Murdo is in charge of arrangements.
