Custer County Chronicle

Laverne Frank

Published by admin on Wed, 05/14/2025 - 1:49pm

Laverne “Vern” “Vernie” Ray Frank was born Dec. 9, 1938 to Bernhard (Ben) and Genevieve (Johnson) Frank in Belle Fourche, S.D.
When he was a young child the family relocated to Ideal, S.D.  Vernie attended Winner High School, where he was active in football and track. He graduated in 1956.
Despite his parents’ wishes he joined the Navy at the age of 17 where he was promoted to Petty Officer First Class and enjoyed being a torpedoman.

Dorothy Pennel

Published by admin on Wed, 05/14/2025 - 1:48pm

Dorothy Irene Pennel was born Dec. 24, 1934, in Dewey, Custer County, S.D.
Dorothy was the daughter of Leslie Monroe Parsons and Verna Irene (Stanton) Parsons. She grew up in a large and close-knit family that shaped her enduring values of hard work and devotion to loved ones.
Dorothy married Charles Edward Pennel, with whom she shared many years of partnership and family life before his passing.
Dorothy passed away peacefully May 2, 2025, in Fort Collins, Colo. She was 90.

Ed Anderson

Published by admin on Wed, 05/14/2025 - 1:47pm

After a four year battle with cancer Ed Anderson got bored, picked up his marbles and went home to hang out with God and family members who made the trip before him.
Ed was born June 26, 1959, in a town at a time and with people around him that made his life look an awful lot like a Norman Rockwell painting.
There were fishing poles, bicycles and early morning rides to West Dam for trout fishing. A stop by the Coffee Cup Café on the way back home to listen to the coffee clutch elders built character and story telling abilities that would serve a lifetime.

Fred Weibert

Published by admin on Wed, 05/07/2025 - 10:27am

Fred Henry Weibert  was born Feb. 10, 1950, to Fred John and Doris (Harris) Weibert in Hardin, Mont. He spent his early years on their Ranch at the foot of the Custer Battlefield along the Little Bighorn River, where his adventurous spirit blossomed. As the oldest of three siblings, Fred spent countless days exploring caves, roaming the open fields and soaring through the skies alongside his father in airplanes—a childhood filled with wonder and freedom.

Russell Arnold

Published by admin on Wed, 05/07/2025 - 10:18am

Russell “Russ” J. Arnold, a devoted husband, father, educator, and faithful servant of God, entered eternal rest April 29, 2025 at the Seven Sisters Living Center in Hot Springs, S.D.
Russ was born June 1, 1948, in Belle Fourche, S.D., to William “Ralph” and Elsie Arnold. Russ lived a life marked by dedication to family, education, maximum perseverance and community service.

Beth Ebright

Published by admin on Wed, 04/30/2025 - 12:14pm

Beth Ebright, 63, passed away April 23, 2025, in Custer, S.D.  She was born in Eau Claire, Wis.,  April 4, 1962.  
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Clayton; and by sisters, Barb and Bonnie.
Beth is survived by her husband, Doug; brothers, Blake and Brock; and many nieces and nephews.  
Private services will be held.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.

Lee Stokes

Published by admin on Wed, 04/30/2025 - 12:13pm

Lee Stokes, 71, of Custer, S.D., passed away April 24, 2025, at his home in Custer.
Lee was born in Igloo, S.D., to Hermit Stokes and Opal “Dolly” Bettelyoun. He grew up with a spirit of curiosity and a pride in his Southern and Lakota heritage that shaped the rest of his life.
Lee lived a simple life focused on the wellbeing of family and friends. He touched countless lives through his generosity, wit, depth of knowledge and his quiet strength.

Sandra Boggs

Published by admin on Wed, 04/16/2025 - 9:18am

Sandra Marie Boggs  was born Nov. 30, 1943, to Amos and Grace Simants. She married her lifelong partner and best friend Billy Boggs  Nov. 20, 1962.

Gerald Hale

Published by admin on Wed, 04/16/2025 - 9:14am

Gerald D. Hale was born Jan.  28, 1940. Gerald, 85, of Custer, S.D., passed away April 9, 2025.   
He is survived by his daughter, Pamela Hale of Custer; and his son, John Hale of Phoenix, Ariz. Per Gerald’s wishes, no services will be held.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.

Karen Goodrich

Published by admin on Wed, 04/09/2025 - 11:30am

Karen Goodrich, 86, met the goal of her faith when she went home to be with her Savior on March 25, 2025, at her family’s home in Rapid City, S.D. She was surrounded by family as the Lord peacefully called her home.
Karen was born March 27, 1938, to Robert and Leona Blackburn. She grew up in Montague, Mich., where she met her husband of 58 years, Jim. Together they raised four children and enjoyed all that life had to offer until his death in 2013.