Rapid City – Lois Townsend, 94, died on her birthday on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Fountain Springs Healthcare in Rapid City.

Lois Maxine Townsend was born December 27, 1931, in Osage, Wyoming, to wonderful parents, Ruby Ellen (Donelson) Townsend and Neil Kenton Townsend.

She was joined by brothers Robert "Bob" (1935) and Glen (1937). Life on the ranch was happy, healthy, and wholesome. She attended rural Clareton School except for attending the third grade in Newcastle and the eighth grade at the Borgialli School. She graduated from Upton High School in 1950 and then enrolled at Black Hills Teachers College (now Black Hills State University) in Spearfish, SD, for the summer and then started teaching in the fall. She attained her degree from Black Hills Teachers College, her Master's degree from the University of Northern Iowa, and many graduate hours from other institutions. Her teaching career of 47 years was very rewarding and filled with joy.

She was blessed to have had the opportunity to share her life with nieces Emily and Tina Townsend and nephews Richard "Dick" and David Townsend.

Her parents, brothers Bob and Glen and their wives Betty and Helga, precious nephew David and niece Tina have gone to meet the Lord ahead of Lois.

Survivors include her nieces: Emily Hill of Agar, Toni (Jim) LaRose of Spokane, WA, and Jodi (Tony) Milner of Idaho; nephews: Dick (Sandy) Townsend of Gillette, WY and Tom (Annie) Townsend of Spokane, WA; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Lois was very thankful for the church and the opportunity to teach an adult Sunday School class.

Her visitation will be from 9:00 am to 10:00 am Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home and the services will be at 10:00 am at the funeral home led by Pastor Brett Hilgemann from the Freedom Church.

Burial will follow at 1:00 pm at the Greenwood Cemetery at Newcastle, WY.