Melda Jean Farris, 93, of Woonsocket, passed away on Dec. 24, 2024, in Woonsocket.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at Spirit of Faith Church in Woonsocket. Burial will follow at Eventide Cemetery. Visitation was 5-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, also at the church, with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 p.m. Arrangements were with Basham Funeral Service.

Melda was born on Dec. 8, 1931 in Jones County, to Morris and Louise (Millard) Esmay. Melda graduated from Murdo High School in 1949. She married Jack Farris on March 23, 1950.  They lived in Murdo and Artesian before settling in Woonsocket, where they raised a family.

While Melda dedicated herself to raising her children, she also found time to keep the books for the family business, Local Lumber and Supply, which she did for over 50 years, after she and Jack purchased it in 1969. 

Melda was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Woonsocket, now Spirit of Faith. She devoted countless hours to church activities including United Methodist Women, serving as church secretary, treasurer, and a member of the parish council. 

Melda will be fondly remembered for her culinary talents, was an avid reader and had a sharp mind. She loved spending time with her six children, 15 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. Melda set examples of hard work and practicality for her children, from canning and preserving the bounty of the family garden to making sure all the game and chickens for her table were cleaned and dressed in record time.

Melda is survived by her children, Jean Diedtrich of Custer, Douglas (Connie) of Woonsocket, Todd (Penny) of Woonsocket, Sharon Knapp of Madison, Jon (Michele) of Mitchell, and Chris (Mary) of Chantilly, Va.; brother-in law, Bill Farris; sister-in-law, Janet Miller; and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack; her brother, Wayne (Margie) Esmay; son-in-law, John Knapp; and grandson, Jacob Diedtrich. 

Gary Russell Moody, 68, passed away at his home in Letcher, after a sudden brief battle with lung disease. 

A small family celebration of life will be held in Oregon at a later date.

Gary was the fourth son and a Christmas Eve baby, born in Portland, Ore., to William and Genevieve Moody. Gary attended more than one elementary school in Oregon but finalized his education at Sandy High School in Sandy, Ore. 

Gary worked as a mechanical insulator. For close to 30 years, he worked for the Local 36 and was well-known and respected for his work.  He retired in 2017 and moved from Oregon with his wife, Diane Jensen Moody, to her home state of South Dakota.

Gary was a family man and loved the holidays. He loved doing sports and was a coach for his children’s softball teams.  He also loved music and took dance classes. His children and grandchildren also remember how he loved adventures. Many of Gary’s “hobbies” were actually work.  He always kept his property well-mowed and taken care of. His carpentry skills were unmatched, and his creativity was amazing. Gary’s other hobbies were watching sports and politics, listening to music, and reading his newspaper.

Gary is survived by his wife, Diane; his stepdaughter, Katy; his two children, Carrie and Gare, and their mother, Trudee Lascala; two grandchildren; brothers, Randy (Teri) Moody and Larry; and many in-laws and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charlie Moody.

Cheryl “Sherry” Kleppin, 79, of Wessington Springs, passed away Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Valley Lakes Assisted Living at Valley, Neb.

A Celebraton of Life was held on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the 1905 Opera House at Wessington Springs.

Cheryl “Sherry” Bell was born Oct. 10, 1945, in Wessington Springs, to Frank Jr. and Lora (Newcomer) Bell. She attended school in Wessington Springs and after struggling with physical issues in her childhood, she thrived in high school performing in plays, various thespian groups and writing for the school newspaper.

Sherry attended business school in Huron. She worked at the National Bank of Wessington Springs until she married Myron Kleppin on Jan. 10, 1970, in a private ceremony in Huron.

Sherry was a member of Templeton United Church of Christ for more than 50 years and served as an officer and volunteer with the ladies’ fellowship, the Sunday school, and youth groups. She was the consummate church lady.  She also found time to volunteer for the PTO and the Band Boosters, to chaperone FHA, FFA, and music trips, all while helping Myron keep the farm running smoothly. 

Sherry was a 51-year member of the Community and Family Extension Leaders (CFEL). She served several terms as various state officers, including President, and traveled the state fulfilling those responsibilities.

After they retired, Sherry and Myron dedicated their time and resources to restoring the Wessington Springs Opera House, helping to bring the building from a nearly condemned state to the vibrant theatrical show piece that it is today, and they continued to serve as board members once it was ready for performances. She also led the SACOTA (Springs Area Council of the Arts) meetings arranging various artists and musicians to come to the Opera House.

Sherry was most content with a yarn project on her lap. Although she learned embroidery and other stitch arts, knitting and crocheting were her passion.

Sherry is survived by her two children, Toby Kleppin (Lynette) of Long Valley and Kerrie Kleppin-Winn (Mark) of Omaha, Neb.; two grandchildren, Neil Kleppin and Megan Poyer of Woonsocket; and several cousins, nieces and nephews and their children.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gary Bell; and husband, Myron.