Obituaries

William Jay Peterson, age 71, became the third child of Carroll and Betty Jean Peterson July 5, 1953 in Valentine. He grew up in Kilgore, on the family ranch and enjoyed all aspects of living in the Sandhills.

Debra Jean Todd Reagle, age 66, of Valentine, was born July 12,1958 to Dwight and Lavina Jean (Shelbourn) Todd in Valentine. She was later joined by sisters Peggy and Janet. She graduated from Valentine High School and was proud to be from the Class of 1976.

LaVerne “Vernie” Lucille Ziegler was born November 19, 1946 in Winner, SD to Raymond “ Zig” and Dorothy Ziegler. She would become a big sister when Rick (or as she always called him Ricky) was born in 1950. She grew up in the Winner/Martin area, spending a lot of time at the family cabin in Dark Canyon in the Black Hills with childhood family/friends The Westaby’s.

Harlin Delain Welch was born in Millboro, SD to Lewis and Vraina (Leetch) Welch on July 15, 1936. He passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024 in Ainsworth. He spent the early years of life growing up north of Ainsworth on Plum Creek, where he lived with his parents and seven siblings. His parents relocated to another state when he was a young teenager. His stubbornness showed through even at that time when he decided he wasn’t going with them and went out on his own with his brother. In 1956, he enlisted in the United States Navy and provided four years of service aboard the aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Kearsarge. Harlin sailed throughout much of the world and was very proud of his service. He enjoyed talking about his experience in the military. Following his discharge from the military, he attended college at Colorado State University Pueblo.

Kelvin L. Hawthorne was born July 1, 1951 to Cecil and Orpha (Good) Hawthorne in Central City, NE. He received his education in the Fullerton Public Schools and graduated in 1969. Kelvin attended Midland Lutheran College and played football for one year.

Chief Marion “Mick” Hendrix passed away Sunday, October 27, 2024. He was born January 9, 1955, to the late George Hendrix and Iola Mae Gramps in Oroville, CA. He was later fostered by Leslie and Thelma Turner, and moved to Cody, where he grew up.

Brandon K. Kenner was born April 18, 1985 in Ainsworth, to Paul K. and Ronda D. (Rose) Kenner, of Thedford. Brandon got his first horseback ride at one week old. His daddy totally enjoyed it and they never slowed down. Brandon was soon joined by two brothers, Derek and Ty after moving to Wood Lake.

June was born November 18, 1928 to Emil and Margaret (Reagle) Sauerwein in Valentine. Mother Margaret was called home to the Lord on November 28, 1928, leaving Emil with a baby, a one year old sister, and four other siblings. So Margaret’s brother Floyd Reagle and wife Ethelena took June into their home in Todd County, SD. She was baptized June Katherine on December 1, 1928 in Crookston.

David G. Carr, 85, went to heaven October 13, 2024 with his family by his side. Dave was born on March 8, 1939 in Ainsworth. He graduated from Winner High School, Class of 1957. Always a country boy, growing up on the Carr Ranch in Hidden Timber, SD.

Alvin J. “Jeep” Grooms, 85, of Ord passed away peacefully Saturday, October 12, 2024, at his home in Ord surrounded by his family. Alvin Jerry “Jeep” Grooms was born in Valentine, December 31, 1938, to Clarence and Ruby (Coon) Grooms. He attended Valentine Public Schools where he participated in football, track, basketball, and graduated in 1958.