Jean Spargur

Orvilla “Jean” Goodsell Spargur was born Sept. 28, 1933, on a farm near Quinn, S.D., the youngest of four children born to May Tina (Malisch) Goodsell and Clarence Lester Goodsell.  

Jean married the love of her life, James Bernard Spargur, April 2, 1952.  They were married for 65 years until Jim’s death in 2017. To this union were born four children, Ed, Linda (Chuck), Carmen (Steve), and Roy (Richelle).  

The family moved several times over the years between South Dakota, Washington state and Alaska, ultimately returning home to South Dakota.

It is impossible to encapsulate this precious woman’s life with mere words. She was a friend to everyone and loved by all who knew her. She had an unshakable faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her greatest joy was seeing her husband and children come to faith in Jesus too.

Jean passed away peaceful from this world Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, surrounded by family. She was 90.

Jean was a loving wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, great-great grandma and the rock of our family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Bernard Spargur; sister, Delores “Dee” Bush; and two precious grandchildren, Elizabeth Claire Blackwell and Benjamin David Spargur. 

Jean is survived by her brothers, Charles (Wilma) Goodsell of Pringle, S.D., and LaVerne Goodsell of Custer, S.D.; four children; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.

Visitation will be from 9-10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 29, at the Little White Church in Hill City, S.D. The service will be at 10:30 a.m.  Luncheon will follow. 

Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D.

Arrangements are with Kirk Funeral Home.