RAPID CITY | Lorraine Fuss Ehrich Van Alstyne, 90, passed away on Monday, Sept. 12, 2016, at Rapid City Regional Hospital surrounded by family and loved ones.

Lorraine was born on May 10, 1926, to Marie (Von Ahn) Fuss and Henry J. Fuss in Miranda, SD. She was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Redfield, when she was 16. After graduating high school, she went to work at the State School. She married Robert Ehrich on Nov. 30, 1944. They lived in the Redfield and Rockham area and had five children before moving to the Black Hills in 1958.

An avid seamstress, Lorraine worked at Haggerty's Department Store in the alteration department until she reached retirement. Her house was always filled with sewing projects that she was working on and few left her home without an embroidered towel, potholder, or a fixed pair of pants.

She married Eugene Van Alstyne on May 14, 1987. She and Gene shared a love for the Black Hills. They enjoyed seeing and photographing the flowers and birds in all of the seasons of the year. Lorraine celebrated every season, as each one brought her a new meaning. They were together until Gene passed away in 2003.

The church was always her port in a storm. Many times it gave her the strength to go on when days were dark. Her Lord was always there for her. She was a charter member of the South Canyon Lutheran Church where she helped organize the Women of the Church Group and the Altar Guild. When the Lutheran Social Service Auxilary was in operation, she served as an officer and spent many hours sewing maternity tops and baby gowns and other fundraising projects. Lorraine taught Sunday School at the St. James Lutheran and South Canyon Lutheran churches. She was a member of the Sarah Circle Bible Study Group.

In January 2000, the Piecemakers quilting group was formed and brought a lot of joy to her life. She always looked forward to the Thursday morning work sessions. This combination of church, giving to the community, and sewing provided a perfect place to devote her energy.

Nothing made Lorraine happier than having family and friends drop by. Her cookie jar was always full and many spent hours at her kitchen table enjoying her treats, laughing and sharing stories. You never knew who else would be there as her door was always open. In the morning, you could always find her famous pancakes being served!

In 2004, Lorraine found a new love in long time friend, Ernie Barton. At almost 80 years old, Lorraine was acting like a teenager, dancing around to country music, giggling and blushing like a schoolgirl, and had a twinkle in her eye and constant smile. That smile continued for 12 years until she passed away while holding onto Ernie's hand.

Lorraine is survived by her siblings, Robert (Francelle) Fuss and Mary Ann (Delt) Clark; children, Janet (Ron) Frame, Jodene Ehrich, Steven (Judy) Ehrich, and Rodney (Janelle) Ehrich; sisters-in-law, Shirley and Carol Fuss; son-in-law, Les Wertz; 12 grandchildren; 12 (soon to be 15) great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Mark, Karen, Todd, and Jeanne Van Alstyne; and special companion Ernest Barton and his supportive and loving family. She also cherished her nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, church members and quilters. Lorraine's sense of family and community was the foundation of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Marie Fuss; brothers, Jerald and Raymond Fuss; spouses, Robert Ehrich and Eugene Van Alstyne; daughter, Linda Wertz; son-in-law, Thomas Barnes; and grandson, Mark Ehrich.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 19, at South Canyon Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Bruce Thalacker officiating. Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to South Canyon Lutheran Church, 700 S 44th St., Rapid City, SD 57702.