Stephen Glenn Ferley 

May 13, 1945 – September 25, 2026

Moment, moment, moment…Steve Ferley was born on May 13, 1945, in Northwood, Iowa, to Glenn and Esther Ferley. At just two years old, Steve moved with his family to Philip, South Dakota, the place he would always consider home. He loved Philip and the people there, and the community remained an important part of who he was throughout his life.

Steve’s love of the jewelry business began as a young boy while working alongside his father in the family jewelry store, Ferley Jewelers. That early experience led him to pursue a career in the jewelry industry. After graduating from high school, he attended watchmaking school in the Twin Cities and later earned a business degree from the University of South Dakota.

Steve began his professional career with Ardan Catalog Showroom stores, traveling throughout the country as a diamond buyer. His career took him to many places and opened the door to one of the most memorable chapters of his life.

Steve married his first wife, Mary Ferley, in 1967, and together they had three children, Todd, Aaron and Allyson. Together they lived throughout the Midwest including Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and finally settling down in southern Indiana where their children would grow up.

On October 25, 1986, Steve married his best friend, Beth-Anne. Together, they shared nearly 40 years of marriage, building a life filled with family, travel, work, friendships and many adventures.

One of those adventures took Steve and Beth-Anne halfway around the world. Steve was given the opportunity to live in Bangkok, Thailand, where he managed a jewelry factory for four years. While living there, their daughter, Jessica, was born. After Thailand, they lived in New York before moving to Evansville, Indiana, where they opened Pegasus Jewelers Outlet.

Eventually, Steve and Beth-Anne decided it was time to return to his home state of South Dakota. They opened Scribbles Engraving in Rapid City, raised their daughter, Jessica, and enjoyed being closer to Steve’s parents and his brothers, Dan and Jerry.

Steve believed in being involved in his community and giving his time to others. He volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and was a longtime member of the Cosmopolitan Club. But perhaps nothing brought him more joy than singing.

Steve began singing in high school, and music remained a part of his life for more than 70 years. He loved singing with the Philip Crooners and, most importantly, was a member of the Shrine of Democracy Barbershop Chorus for 30 years. Singing was more than a hobby for Steve - it was something that brought him joy and allowed him to share that joy with others.

Those who knew Steve will remember his kindness and gentleness, his quick wit and, of course, his ability to come up with a snarky comeback at just the right time. He loved to make people laugh. He loved his children, his family and his many friends deeply.

Steve is survived by his wife and best friend, Beth-Anne; his sons, Todd Ferley of Evansville, IN, Aaron (Christy) Ferley of Newburgh, IN, his daughters, Allyson (Mike) Breon of Grand Rapids, MI, Jessica (Jonathan) Kading of Rapid City, SD and his brother, Dan (Lana) Ferley and their daughter, Heather, of Colorado.

Steve was the proudest grandfather to Mitchell, Dakota, Cameron, Abby, Brooklyn, Corbin, Finn and Ayla.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Charlie, his parents, Glenn and Esther Ferley, and brother, Jerry Ferley. Steve is also survived by Jerry’s wife, Lee Ann, and their children, Shane, Casey, Shanna and Chad.

Steve lived a life filled with family, friendships, music, adventure and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. For those that know, Steve’s answer to the ever-pressing question “are we there yet?” -- we will see you just over the next hill Steve, just over the next hill.

Please join us in celebrating Steve’s life, full of music and friendship on Monday, November 23, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 5311 Sheridan Lake Road, Rapid City, SD. Immediately following the service, in the church hall, we invite you to gather for Steve’s favorite – a traditional potluck. Please feel free to bring your favorite dish to share for this celebration.

A memorial has been established to Big Brothers Big Sister of the Black Hills. Big Brother Big Sister of the Black Hills