Obituaries

Kathleen Marie (Paxson) Keller, 75, of Valentine, found eternal joy in her heavenly home November 15, 2024 after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was a devout Christian who prayed for many people in her life and lived her faith daily. Her greatest enjoyment came from being with her family and friends.

Hastings resident Brad A. Hucke, 62, passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings. Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial were held Tuesday, November 5, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Hastings with Father Scott Nemec officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Loveland, CO.

Gail Everett Haas of Valentine, went to be with the Lord November 18, 2024, just five days short of his 93rd birthday. He was the fourth of six children born to Clarence and Alma Haas on November 23, 1931, near Lakeview, SD.

Darlene Lydia (Hartmann) Barry, was born into the world at her parents’ home in Mission, SD, on February 21, 1934, and entered into rest at Morningstar Assisted Living Facility, Rapid City, SD, on November 10, 2024.

Alma Elizabeth (Simons) Gordon, 100, died peacefully November 9, 2024, in Hesston, KS. Alma was born August 14, 1924, in Sparks, the fourth out of nine children born to Joseph and Elizabeth Mae (Hayford) Simons.

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.