RAPID CITY | Avis J. Brugger, 92, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2018.

She was born May 11, 1925, in Vermillion, S.D. to Ernest and Florence (Hedlin) Lind. She had three brothers and sisters. Her sister, Lenette, lives in Sioux Falls, and her brothers, Howard and Richard, lived in rural Vermillion. She grew up on a farm in eastern South Dakota and attended and graduated from Vermillion High School.

After graduation, she worked at a bank in Vermillion, where she met her future husband Virgil in 1945. They dated and married on May 24, 1947, and they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary together last May 24, surrounded by the people most important in her life; her loving husband, Virgil, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. There were many pictures of their lives over the years enjoyed, and many favorite stories were shared by each of the family present. She was happiest when spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Avis lived in several cities in South Dakota after marriage, including Lake Norden, Hazel, Viborg, and Centerville and moved to Rapid City eight years ago to be near her children and their families. She was very active in her church wherever she lived including singing in the choir. She has been a firm believer in Jesus Christ her entire life, sharing her beliefs passionately to all around her.

Avis was very involved in raising her three sons, Keith, Kent and Scott, spending countless hours assisting in their education such as typing terms papers, doing laundry for them while back from college and making sure they memorized weekly bible verses before going out on Friday nights.

Avis and Virgil moved to Rapid City in 2010 and lived the last six years at Clarkson Health Care where she was active in attending the numerous activities including weekly bible studies. She enjoyed the helpful assistance by the many healthcare workers. She made it a point to get to know each of them and their individual stories. She was known for her structured daily routine and enjoyed attending many musical events with Virgil.

Avis made it a priority to live her life for the Lord and to bring Him glory by serving others, sharing her life and the resources that God blessed her with, making the lives of people surrounding her better.

She was preceded in death by her son, Scott; and brothers, Howard and Richard.

She is survived by her husband, Virgil; her sister, Lenette; sons, Keith (Roberta), Kent (Peggy); daughter-in-law, Sharon; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and eight step-great-grandchildren.

Avis said she had a wonderful and full life and would like to thank all the family and friends who shared it with her. She will forever be remembered by her numerous friends for her words and acts of kindness.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 20 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, at South Canyon Lutheran Church with Rev. Roger Olness and Rev. Ron McLaughlin officiating.

Interment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to South Canyon Lutheran Church, Scandia Lutheran Church or the charity of your individual choice.