Custer County Chronicle

Linda Nowell

Published by admin on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 2:36pm

Linda Kay Nowell (Van Der Vorste), “39 and holding,” of Hill City, S.D., and Aurora, Colo., passed away March 15, 2026, in Rapid City, S.D. 
Linda was born  March 27, 1946, in Mobridge, S.D., to Kathryn (Bauer) and Bernie Van Der Vorste. She was the second of three children. 

Ethel Osmotherly

Published by admin on Wed, 03/18/2026 - 11:52am

Ethel Louise (Parsons) Osmotherly was born on Nov. 10, 1938, in Custer, S.D., to Leslie and Verna (Stanton) Parsons. She grew up on a farm west of Custer in a large, close-knit family and graduated from Custer High School in 1957.
While attending a dance in Custer, she met the love of her life, William Henry “Bill” Osmotherly. They were united in marriage on Nov. 24, 1957. To this union, four sons were born: Richard William, Robert Rue, Steven Allen and Keith Eugene.

Patricia Watkins

Published by admin on Wed, 03/18/2026 - 11:52am

Patricia L. Watkins, 78, of Edgemont, S.D., passed away March 9, 2026. 
Patty was born July 23, 1947, in Glenwood, Minn., raised on a farm in Grove Lake Township. She enjoyed spending much time outdoors with the animals.  She was definitely a tomboy.  She and her brother, Dale, survived typical shenanigans and kept their Uncle Andy on his toes.

Ella Dean

Published by admin on Wed, 03/18/2026 - 11:51am

Ella “JoAn” Dean of Oral, S.D., cherished as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister and friend, passed away peacefully March 11, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by her loving family.
Her story began in Hot Springs, S.D., on her family’s homestead along Argyle Road May 7, 1941. As a child, JoAn and her siblings worked together on the family homestead, discovering that true love isn’t found in material things but in an unbreakable bond that lasts forever. 

Arthur Hagen

Published by admin on Wed, 03/11/2026 - 11:02am

Arthur Ainsworth Hagen, 92, passed away peacefully Friday Feb. 6, in Tallahassee, Fla., with his four daughters by his side. 
Ainsworth was born Oct. 9, 1933, in Hot Springs, S.D., where he grew up.  He attended the University of South Dakota where he earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree.

Donna Hesnard-Starr

Published by admin on Wed, 03/04/2026 - 2:52pm

Donna Hesnard-Starr passed away early Sunday morning, Feb. 22, 2026, surrounded by family at West Hills Village Nursing Home (Rapid City, S.D.) after a brief stay in the hospital. 
She was born Aug. 6, 1930 on a ranch near Belvidere, S.D. to Glen L. and M. Madge (Cain) Shorb.
After moving the family to the Hermosa, S.D., area in 1945 she attended Rapid City High School, graduating with the Class of 1948.

Tracey Harley

Published by admin on Wed, 03/04/2026 - 2:52pm

Tracey L. Harley, 65, formerly of Custer, S.D., passed away Feb. 22, 2026, in Huron, S.D.  She was born July 20, 1960, in Hot Springs, S.D., to Orvile and Delores (Petrik) Harley. 
Tracey obtained her education in Custer. She worked as a lunch lady in the school lunch room and she was a domestic engineer. Her hobbies included latch hook, paint by numbers and scratch pictures.
Tracey will be remembered for being a free-spirit and for walking her own path.

Dean Schrempp

Published by admin on Wed, 03/04/2026 - 2:52pm

Dean Schrempp, 90, of Eagle Butte, S.D., died Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. 
Service will be at All Saints Catholic Church in  Eagle Butte. Visitation is Friday, March 13, 5-7 p.m., Rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, March 14 at 10 a.m.
Burial to follow at Lantry Cemetery. 
Arrangements with Kirk Funeral Home.

Gerldine Anderson

Published by admin on Wed, 03/04/2026 - 2:51pm

Gerldine (Pooley) (Woodward) Anderson passed away to be with our Lord Jesus Christ Feb. 23, 2026, in Custer, S.D. 
She was born in Fedora, S.D., June 27, 1925, to Will and Mazie Pooley. Her family moved to Dupree, S.D., when she was 2 years old. She was number seven in a family of 11 children.
Gerldine married Beverly Woodward Oct. 14, 1940. They had three girls and four boys: Colleen, Carleen, Patsy (Bill Anderson), Jerry (Peggy), Bill (Jenilee), Jess (Connie) and Buck (Cathy).

Lois Massa

Published by admin on Wed, 02/25/2026 - 2:49pm

Lois Lavon (Anderson) Massa, 87, of Custer, S.D., passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Monument Health in Rapid City, S.D., Feb. 22, 2026.  A woman that embraced all of life’s “adventures.” Lois lived a life dedicated to her Catholic faith, her family, her students and her friends.
Lois was born July 30, 1938, in Madison, S.D., to Laurence V. and Irma Belle (Potter) Anderson.  She was the first of four children.