Ruvonne Underwood Dennis passed away Monday, March 24, in New Underwood, South Dakota surrounded by her loving family, including her husband of seventy-one years, Harold Dennis. Ruvonne was born April 23, 1937 in Lampasas, Texas to Rufus and Veo (Millican) Underwood. She attended school in Lometa, Texas. Unfortunately, her parents died in 1950 from a car accident when Ruvonne was 13 years old. She then went to live with her first cousin Pauline and Ted Burnham. Ruvonne attended San Saba High School and graduated from there. Both sides of her family were known pioneers in the San Saba pecan industry and are still large pecan producers to this day. With mature pecan trees surrounding their Texas home, the family never lacked for big, delicious pecans! She was naturally a pecan expert and, at heart, always a true Texan.

Ruvonne lived a long, extraordinary life having served in many positions over the years including as an office assistant to “Doc” Nere J. Sundet at Kadoka Memorial Hospital; as the Jackson County Treasurer for several years; a rural mail carrier in Texas for the US Postal Service; and worked at Moorman Feed Sales with Harold. She was also very involved with the Order of the Eastern Star.

However, she would tell you that her greatest role and accomplishment in her life was her family, specifically her children and grandchildren. A devoted partner, she worked tirelessly on their family ranches and farming initiatives. As a mother, she provided the nurturing, education and love that every child deserves and always beamed with pride at their accomplishments. Her great grandchildren were the “icing on the cake”. They brought her so much joy, love and laughter. She treasured her time with them.

Ruvonne was an avid card player--often times winning at the family “pitch” games and she could play for hours! Over the years, she and Harold were also square dancers with Harold often calling the dances. She loved jewelry and shopping and was even known to “play a hand or two” in Deadwood--with much success! In the last few years, she enjoyed writing in her journal and creating beautiful diamond art pieces while listening to her favorite classic country tunes.

Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother is with the angels now. How blessed we were to have her for so long and to have known such an amazing, loving and positive soul.

Left to cherish her memory include her husband Harold; her children Dana DeVries, Lesa Eisenbraun (John), and Dean Dennis (Michelle); daughter-in-law Ronda Dennis; grandchildren: Cory, Kyle (Shiloh), Terri (Eric), Kelli (Shane), Kerri (Andy); great-grandchildren: Alayna, Caitlyn, Anna, Jack, Emily, Connor, Landon, Don, Austin, and Allie; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ruvonne is preceded in death by her parents, Rufus and Veo; her first cousin Pauline and Ted Burnham; her son Rick Dennis; her sister Korea who died as an infant; and a son-in-law Don DeVries.

Sincere and deep appreciation is expressed to the doctors and nurses at the Good Samaritan Center in New Underwood for their excellent care. She loved you all.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.