Rapid City – Averis "Babe" Tinant passed away at her home in Rapid City, SD on Monday, July 25, 2022 at her residence at the ripe old age of 103.  Babe was born in Glad Valley, SD on March 4, 1919.  She was the youngest child born to Victor and Effie Matter.  She attended the South Dakota School of Mines for one year, then raised her family.  She later went back to the Mines and received a Degree in Medical Technology.  She started her career in Rapid City, then later transferred to be the Head of the Medical Laboratory of Florida Hospitals in Orlando, Florida.  Grannie was not the typical Mother.  The pets she allowed her sons to have in her home included, but not limited to, two squirrels, rabbits, dogs, a raccoon, a monkey and 3-African Lion Cubs.  The raccoon and African lions were featured in stories written by the Rapid City Journal.  Upon Retirement she returned to Rapid City to help raise her Grandchildren and later her Great Grandchildren.

She is survived by her son Chuck (Connie) Tinant and son Mark Tinant, Grandson Jason (Kazumi) Tinant, Grandson Corey Tinant, Granddaughter Jessica (Andy) Scull, and THE TREASURED Great Grandchildren, Caiden, Kyler, Sako Tinant and Veda, Kaya and Lucia Scull.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son Doug, sister Louise Rand, and two brothers: Damon and Knox Matter.

Her Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be 10:00 am Thursday, August 11, 2022 at Christ Church, 1900 Evergreen Drive, Rapid City.

Burial of cremains will follow at Mt. View Cemetery.

Arrangements with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with more information at www.osheimschmidt.com