Ellen DeGeest of New Underwood, SD, age 90, rose to heaven December 28, 2023.

Ellen was born August 18, 1933, to James & Elora (Fernau) Fenner, in Rapid City, SD. She grew up in the Elm Springs/Dalzell area, where she attended grade school. Her high school education began in New Underwood and was completed in 1951 in nearby Rapid City, where the family had moved.

Ellen married Joe Comer July 20, 1951. To this union, Randy, Janette, and Denise were born. They lived in New Underwood and ran Joe’s Food Market. Ellen continued to operate the grocery store after Joe’s death until 1975 when she shut the door permanently.

Ellen married Larry DeGeest August 28, 1974, in Box Elder. They ranched in the surrounding area until settling on the family farm near New Underwood in 1981. It was here that Ellen was happy surrounded by her lambs and cats. She was always happy to talk with anyone that wanted to have a conversation and willing to lend a hand if she was able.

Ellen will be dearly missed, by her loving husband of 49 years, Larry DeGeest, children Randy (Joan) Comer of Brownsburg, IN, Janette Comer Emerson, 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and special friends Paul, Jodi, Helen, and Bill Richter. She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Joe Comer, daughter Denise, and brother Merlyn.