Abram W. Ovitt, Jr., 92, Rapid City passed away on March 16, 2024 in the care of Avantara Mountain View Nursing Care.

Abe was born in Corinth, New York on June 11, 1931, to Abe W. Ovitt, Sr. and Anna (Scoville) Ovitt. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served from 1948-1953 stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. He met his wife, Catherine Jackson of Wood, SD, and they were married July 2, 1951. They made their home in Rapid City, SD. They were married for 57 years when Catherine died on January 14, 2008.

Abe worked for Barber Transportation for more than 30 years until retiring due to an injury on the job. He was the president of the War Eagle Dancing Club and was given the Lakota name, Mahpiya Iyapat’o, which means touches the sky/clouds.

He enjoyed his family and friends, loving everyone. He had a huge heart and enjoyed all animals, raising horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, and pigeons.

He is survived by his son Roger (Margaret) Ovitt, daughter, Laurie Hawkins, daughter in law, Sandy Ovitt; grandchildren, Cathee (Steve) McCune, Valerie (Vince) King, Nicole (Chris) Ward, Adrienne (Jason) Brown, Matthew (Tonya) Walters, Melissa (Robert) Nelson, Rashelle (Jon) Morrison, Chris (Jen) Hawkins, Anna Hawkins, Amanda Ruiz, Dawn (Keneen) Miller, Ben Ovitt, Denise (Aaron) Tritto, Lisa Lehman, Angela Leland, Erik (Julie) Kalvels, Patrick (Dixie) Kalvels; 40 great grandchildren, a great great grandchild; siblings, John (Margaret) Ovitt, James (Sandy) Ovitt, Roger (Sue) Ovitt, Larry Allen, Kathy (Dan) Allen, Jackie (Cliff) Howe and Benny.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Catherine, a daughter, DiAnn, a son, Jackson, a granddaughter, Lisa Kepaa Lehman, a great granddaughter, Alyssa Brown, a great great granddaughter, Frayah Williams, and 10 siblings.