Martha Deering

Martha Deering, 97, of Miller, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Sunday, June 5, 2016 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller with Rev. L. Scott Spiehs officiating.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the funeral service.  Burial will be 9:00 a.m., Monday, June 6, 2017 at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller.

Martha was born south of Dallas, South Dakota to John and Dora (Stahlecker) Hauf on the family farm.  She attended school south of Dallas, South Dakota.  On March 25, 1938, she married Harry Deering at her parents’ home.  Blessed to this union were two children, Duane Leon and Ruth Elaine.  After marrying, they farmed for a few years.  Harry and Martha then left the farm and went to Pierre where Harry worked for the city and Martha worked at St. Mary’s Hospital and local cafes.  From 1972 to 1977, Martha and her daughter owned and operated the Ranch Café in Miller. 

Harry and Martha’s home was always open to foster children.  They were foster parents to at least 12 and was an aunt to many children.

In 1992, Harry and Martha moved to Miller permanently.  They were active members of Concordia Lutheran Church in Wessington.

She is survived by her son, Duane Deering of Yankton, grandson, Trevor (Janna) Christiansen of Parker; son-in-law, Joel Christiansen of St. Lawrence; three great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harry in 2005; daughter, Ruth Elaine Christiansen in 1995; and twelve brothers and sisters: Anna Willie, Clara Miller, Arthur Hauf, Sam Hauf, Walter Hauf, Edna Mitchell, Christine Sears, Freida Bettcher, Adolph Hauf, Alva Hauf, Norman Hauf, and Helmuth Hauf.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Martha’s arrangements.