Custer County Chronicle

Kathleen Bryan

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 2:11pm

Kathleen “Kitty” Marie Hamilton Bryan was born Sept. 8, 1940, in Pine Ridge, S.D.  
She went to her true home to be with her Lord and Savior April 4, 2026, in Rapid City, S.D., at the age of 85. 
Her first day in heaven was Easter Sunday.
“Jesus said to them, ‘Do not let your  hearts be troubled… In my Father’s house are many rooms… I am going there to prepare a  place for you.’”
— John 14:1–2

Mildred Hamm

Published by admin on Wed, 04/15/2026 - 9:30am
Mildred Hamm, 95, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026 in Custer, S.D.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 17 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Little White Church in Hill City, S.D.  Burial will follow at Hill City Cemetery.
Please visit OsheimSchmidt.com.

Janice Marteny

Published by admin on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 9:59am

Janice Marteny, 88, of Custer, S.D., passed away at Rapid City Monument Health Hospital March 29, 2026.
Janice Lee Stratton Marteny was a cherished soul who touched the lives of many during her 88 years.  A devoted mother to her seven children, she leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and unwavering faith, following her beloved husband to heaven.  

Naomi Miglia

Published by admin on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 9:59am

Naomi Kay Miglia, a cherished housewife and devoted family woman, passed away peacefully March 28, 2026, in Newcastle, Wyo.
Born April 20, 1940 in the close-knit community of Custer, SD., to Harold and Nellie Elfstrom,   Naomi lived a life defined by love, dedication and service to those around her.
Memorial services for Naomi were April 6 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newcastle. 
Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Meridian Mortuary, 111 South Railroad Ave., Newcastle, WY 82701.

Lynn Moran

Published by admin on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 2:37pm

Lynn Moran, age 78, of Woonsocket, S.D., died Friday, March 20, 2026, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, S.D. Mass of Christian Burial was March 28 at St. Wilfrid Catholic Church in Woonsocket. Burial followed at St. Wilfrid Cemetery. Visitation and rosary were 5-7 p.m., Friday, also at the church.
Lynn Ann Moran, together with her twin sister Lea Jane Moran, was born  June 26, 1947, to Francis “Red” Moran and Bertha Ritter Moran. The twins were the first of the Moran siblings to be born in a hospital.

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.