lcherald.com: Obituaries

Lloyd Chester, 99

Lloyd Chester, 99, of Presho, died Sunday, September 27, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre. Visitation will be from 6-7 pm, Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at Presho United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be at 10 am on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at Presho United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Kennebec Methodist Cemetery.

Lloyd Thomas Chester was born to John F. Chester and Anna (Clay) Chester at Sioux City, IA on January 5, 1910. Lloyd had a twin brother Floyd. His mother passed away when Lloyd was six years old after having nine children.

They moved around to different farms in the Sioux City, IA and Jefferson, SD area. Eventually Lloyd’s father placed Lloyd and several of his brothers in a Children’s Home in Sioux City, NE. Lloyd later joined his father at Vivian, SD. Lloyd farmed south of Vivian and Presho, SD. His father owned what is now part of the Sanford Brakke farm south of Presho.

Lloyd married DelEtta DeWitt on September 13, 1944. To this union Donald (Butch), Dianna and Sherry were born. DelEtta passed away September 4, 1975. Lloyd married Ruth Metzger on September 21, 1979. Ruth passed away on April 1, 1997.

Lloyd enjoyed farming with John Deere tractors, fishing, hunting, playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing cards and going to Hutch’s Café. Lloyd had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to play practical jokes on family and friends. He retired from farming at age 90.

He is survived by his son Donald (Rhonda) Chester of Florence, MS; two daughters: Dianna Urban of Presho, SD and Sherry (Dan) Johnstone of Monument, CO; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Anna; seven brothers: George, John, Elmer, Lawrence, Carl, Floyd and William (Bill); one sister Irene; his wife DelEtta, his wife Ruth and his son-in-law John H. Urban.

Cecelia Walker, 86

Funeral services for Cecelia Walker, 86, of Gregory will be held on Wednesday morning, September 30, 2009 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gregory. Burial will be in the church cemetery at Gregory, SD.

Cecelia Catherine Sweeney Walker was born November 23, 1922 at the family homestead near Presho, SD and passed away Sept. 27, 2009 at the Burke Community Memorial Hospital at the age of 86 years, 10 months and 4 days.

Cecelia was the third of eight children born to Patrick and Matilda (Jacoby) Sweeney. She attended Presho Rural School and the Sweeney Catholic Church, As a young girl she helped raise her baby twin sisters and had numerous responsibilities during the difficult years of the 1930’s. After leaving home, she moved to Minnesota where she lived with her sister Gertie and was employed for a short time. She returned to Kennebec, SD and worked at the courthouse where she met her future husband.

On June 28, 1949 Cecelia was united in marriage to Lynn Walker Jr. They made their home in Iona where they ranched, farmed and raised nine children. The family moved to Gregory and then to Wyoming for a brief time. Upon returning to Gregory they resumed farming and ranching until the death of Lynn in 1991.

Throughout Cecelia’s life she spent tireless hours caring and nurturing many loved ones. She enjoyed gardening, canning, baking and various church activities. She was an active member of St. Joseph’s parish, the alter society and the Catholic Daughters.

In Cecelia’s later years she was happiest surrounded by family, friends and especially the grandchildren. Due to declining health she was unable to stay in her home in Gregory and moved to Parkview Manor in Burke for about a year and then to Silver Threads Assisted Living for a short time.

Her devoted husband of 42 years, Lynn; her loving daughter Sharon Martini and daughter-in-law Angie Soper Walker, two infant grandchildren, her parents and all seven siblings preceded Cecelia in death.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Dennis (Judy Hyde) of Gillette, WY; Shelia Cox, of Gregory, SD; Pat (Nadine Dillree) of Chamberlain, SD; Mike (Sandy Opitz) of Rock Springs, WY; Bill (Tina Stukel) of Rock Springs, WY; Rita (Pat) Taggart of Dallas, SD; Tim (Amy Doffing) of Iona, SD and Lisa (Jim) Mikkelsen of Gregory, SD; 29 grandchildren, 13 greatgrandchildren. Brothers-in-law Keith Nolan and Larry Cleveland, sisters-in-law Audrey Walker, DeBlda Kreir and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.