Lorraine "Dolly" Abernathy
January 4, 1930 ~ October 21, 2018
Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Church of Christ, Highmore with Pastor Max Kelley officiating. Burial followed at Highmore Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, October 26, 2018 with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., all at the church.
Dolly was born on January 4, 1930 in Highmore, SD to William Otto and Agnes Louise (Hale) Kruse. She attended grade school in Eagle Township thru the eighth grade and participated in 4-H as a child and later volunteered as a 4-H Leader. Dolly married Clarence Kuper on August 17, 1952. To this union three children were born. They farmed on the Kruse homestead for the next 29 years before retiring to Ree Heights, SD on a small acreage where they loved to garden. Clarence and Dolly divorced in 1989.
Dolly worked at the Highmore Nursing Home as the Head Cook for 35 years retiring in 1987 and was a faithful member of the Highmore Church of Christ for many years.
In 1990, she reconnected with her childhood sweetheart George Abernathy and they were married March 21, 1992. They resided in Highmore and visited Lead, SD during the summers. George and Dolly got to travel a lot together until his health started to decline. They enjoyed creating lots of different crafts together.
Later in life, Dolly left her beloved Hyde County to go live with her daughter Mavis on her ranch near Valentine, NE. There she lived out her golden years getting to spoil her beloved dogs Suzie, Mocha and Poncho and her many cats that competed non-stop for her lap time.
During her life she loved to cook, bake, and garden. She was always devoted to her children and grandchildren and supported their endeavors and dreams while spending as much time as she could with them.
She is survived by her children: Karl (Diane) Kuper of Tripp, SD, Marvin (Elaine) Kuper of Tulare, CA, Mavis Kuper Fleming of Valentine, NE; granddaughters: Jill Fleming of Solana Beach, CA and Nancy Kuper of Tulare, CA; grandsons: Ryan (Jamie) Kuper of Grant, NE, and Jimmy Kuper of Visalia, CA; great-grandchildren; Koltyn, Karsyn, Kyanna Lorraine, Angelina, Joseph, Andrew, Umar and Ariz; step-children: John Abernathy of Deadwood, SD, Neil Abernathy of Rapid City, SD, Deb (Gary) Hansen of Ruskin, FL, Marlene (Larry) Fitzgerald of Nashville, TN, Noreen (Brett) King of Pocatello, ID and step-grandchildren: Sam (Jessica) Hansen of Leola, SD Harley Hansen of Rapid City, SD and Star Hossain of Leola, SD.
She was preceded in death by her father, William in 1951; her mother, Agnes in 1952; brother, John William in 1932; sister, Geneva Eleanor in 1933; first husband, Clarence Kuper in 1999; second husband, George Abernathy in 2006; and her son-in-law, Joe Fleming in 2018.
Dolly formed many close friendships over the years and will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her, both near and far. Her family is very grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support received during this difficult time.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Dolly's arrangements.
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I never met her, but my daughter and I have been looking forward to meeting Mavis soon at the ranch. I was excited to hear my dad’s aunt tell more stories about him. I heard he could put run a jack rabbit. My heart and prayers are with you.
May the Lord give you peace and healing from the loss of your mother, my Aunt Lorraine. Sending prayers to Mavis, Karl and Marvin. Please know that she is at peace in heaven and rejoicing with our family that have gone before her. Jim Kuper
Prayers for you and your family
So sorry to hear of Dolly’s passing. She was always a great neighbor with a hearty laugh and a big heart. Couldn’t of asked for a better neighbor.
My thoughts are with Mavis, Karl, and Marvin, during the loss of your mother. Please know you are surrounded by loving thoughts and prayers, as you go through these difficult days. I remember Aunt Lorraine’s smile and laughter, and our family visits to their farm. My mother Alice, was Lorraine’s sister-in-law, and always had a special place in her heart for her brother Clarence. Bless Mavis for her years of loving care for her mother. Lorraine is now in God’s loving arms, experiencing the peace that passes all understanding.
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Dolly several years at the nursing home kitchen. She almost always had a smile!! Prayers sent for peace.
To Mavis, Marvin, Karl, I will always think of your mom as one of the tough, authentic "prairie women" that helped raise all of us kids in the community. I’ll say a prayer, and send you my happy memories.
We love and miss you guys