Obituary: Lyle Stevens

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In memory of

Lyle Stevens

of Rapid City, South Dakota, formerly of Wanblee, South Dakota, died on Monday, October 6, 2008 at the Kadoka Nursing Home at the age of 91

Lyle Bernard Stevens was born April 8, 1917, on his folks’ homestead near Clearfield, South Dakota, the son of William Arthur and Ruby (Fletcher) Stevens. When he was four years old the family moved to a ranch east of Wanblee. There he attended a one room school and graduated from Wanblee High School in 1935. In 1936 he moved to Idaho where he lived until 1940 when he moved to Rapid City, South Dakota. There he worked as a service manager for the Packard Garage.
Lyle was united in marriage to Ellen G. Hercher on January 11, 1941, in Rapid City, South Dakota, and to this union were born three children. In 1942, Lyle and Ellen moved to Idaho and then on to Portland, Oregon, where Lyle worked in the Navy shipyards during the war. In 1946, they moved back to Rapid City where Lyle again owned and operated a Mobile Service Station for seven years. He worked as a car salesman for Hemmingson Auto Service, and in 1962, went to work at Jeff’s Truck Stop. In 1970, he and Ellen opened a Skelly Service Station and Restaurant north of I-90 and worked there until their retirement in 1984.
Lyle was a member of the Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder. He was a charter member of the Lions Club (1984) receiving the Distinguished Service Award in 1988, the Lion of the Year Award in 1989, and 1994, and the Melvin Jones Award in 1992. In 1989 he received a plaque from the Masonic Lodge for Outstanding Citizen. Lyle served on the South Dakota Centennial committee, on the board of directors for the Community Action Program in Rapid City, the library board, and numerous other committees. Lyle claimed that what motivated him to get up and do what he needed to be done was his faith in God.
Lyle is survived by a son Gene Stevens and his wife Andrea of Rapid City; two daughters Barbara Haines and her husband Harold of Kearney, Missouri, and Roxy Richardson and her husband Vernon of Long Valley; grandchildren Paige Auer and her husband Mark, Patty Rubin and her husband Dave, Cory Richardson and his wife Kiya, Todd Stevens and his wife Tricia, Julie Sowden and her husband Jim, Troy Stevens and his wife Stephanie, and Aaron Richardson; nine great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; one step-great-great-grandchild; two brothers Dutch Stevens and his wife Billie of Rapid City, and Swede Stevens and his wife Sandie of San Jose, California; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Lyle was preceded in death by his wife Ellen; two sisters; and two brothers.
Visitation was held 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Monday.
Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 13, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.
Interment was in the Kadoka Cemetery.
A memorial is established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Monday, October 13, 2008 – 2:00 p.m.
Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Gary McCubbin
MUSIC
Joyce Wheeler - Pianist
Congregational Hymns
“If That Isn’t Love”
Special Music
Larry & Mary Stevens
“Beyond The Sunset”
John Kaiser – Boyd Porch – Carl Bauman
“That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine”
“Amazing Grace”
USHERS
John Bauman – Scott Bauman
Gordon Good – Gary Petras
PALLBEARERS
Todd Stevens – Troy Stevens
Cory Richardson – Julie Sowden
Paige Auer – Patty Rubin – Aaron Richardson
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Frankie Bauman – Dr. Coen Klopper
Don Heck – Keith Prang – Mel Carlton
Delbert Coller – Jim Mansfield – George Wheeler
INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

Visitation: 4-6 pm on Sunday, October 12, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka.
Funeral Services: 2:00 pm on Monday, October 13, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka.
Interment: Kadoka Cemetery

Sign the guestbook

Lyle's Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Lyle was the best neighbor and always had a smile and wave when we went by. Please let us know if you need anything.

Jackie, Jim, McKenzie, Mason & Madison Stilwell ~ Jackie Stilwell stilwellj@kadokatelco.com (10/6/2008)
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Lyle was the best neighbor we could have ever had. I remember riding my bike up and down the street as a small child and he would be out watering and stop to talk to me. After I moved away from home, he would either stop me or come by to visit and always ask how things were. Heaven just received another angel today. I will miss him dearly. ~ Janelle Madsen Popwell Wellington, Texas (10/6/2008)
Lyle's Family

I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good friend and loved by many. He will be miss.

Thinking of you all
Monica Merchen ~ Monica Merchen Pierre SD (10/6/2008)
Lyle's Family:
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Lyle was truly a wonderful neighbor who brightened your day with his wave and smile even when you were just passing by. He was truly a man who had a lot of faith in the Lord and was more concerned about others than himself. While taking care of him while he was in the hospital last spring he would always ask me a bunch of questions and want to know how things were with us, even if you were trying to find out how HE was feeling. We hope your memories of your wonderful father and grandfather will comfort you during the days ahead. Heaven has truly received a special angel with a great big smile and heart! He will be missed bunches but we know he was ready to go meet the Lord.
Love and Prayers,
~Jeff & Wendy ~ Jeff & Wendy Madsen Cottonwood, SD (10/6/2008)
Lyle was a Friend that never let you down. He always made you feel as if you were his best friend at all times. We will miss his smile . ~ Bonnie Madsen Kadoka (10/6/2008)
Stevens Family -

I want to extend my sympathies to your family. I have very early memories of your dad because of your folks friendship with my grandparents. For a time, when I was little, I thought your folks were part of my family. My first job was at Skelly's washing dishes. Lyle was a good friend to many and always willing to lend a helping hand or kind word. He will be missed.
~ Rose Ann (Stratton) Wendell Pierre (10/6/2008)
Lyles family
I'm so saddened to hear of your loss. He was always so friendly and loved kids....he always took time to ask about my girls and how they were doing. He will be missed by everyone!! My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. ~ Vera Boje Kadoka (10/6/2008)
So sorry to hear about Lyle, he was such a kind, generous person. What a wonderful addition to heaven. ~ Suzanne Hoon Kadoka SD (10/6/2008)
Barb & Harold and Family - I send my Love and Sympathy.
(A friend from long ago at SDSU)
Dorothy (Neal) Wiederhold ~ Dorothy (Neal) Wiederhold Ridgecrest, CA (10/6/2008)
Sorry to hear about Lyle's passing. I can remember the many times at the Skelly Station that Lyle would help me with my car and suggestions for the upkeep, and I know that he remembered those times also. He was a very kind and helpful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

Jean Holzkamp ~ Jean Holzkamp Kadoka (10/6/2008)
So sorry to hear about your dad. Gene, I always enjoyed your dad's visits to the Library when you were still working here. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this time. ~ Gary & Deb Mailloux Vale SD (10/6/2008)
My thoughts are with you in your time lost of your father. He was a great man and he will be dearly missed. ~ Shelly Miller-Gotschall 600 Lindbergh Ave lot #47 Rapid City, SD (10/6/2008)
Lyle was such a precious man always made me feel like a special friend. I loved taking care of him in home health earlier in his illness,and the family is great. I will remember Lyle for a long time. ~ Judy Bauman Longvalley (10/6/2008)