Ione Louise McKelvey
March 12, 1938 ~ September 12, 2026
Born in: Highmore, South Dakota
Resided in: Rockport, Texas
Ione Louise O’Brien McKelvey, 88, passed away on September 12, 2026, in Rockport, Texas.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at St. Mary’s Church in Highmore, South Dakota. Burial will follow at the Highmore Cemetery. Her husband will be laid to rest with her at the same time. A luncheon will follow the burial at the East Wing of the Hyde County Memorial Auditorium in Highmore.
Ione was born on March 12, 1938, the daughter of James O’Brien and Mina Lusk. She grew up in Highmore, South Dakota, where she met and married her high school sweetheart, James McKelvey. They shared their lives together until James’s passing on April 6, 2005.
Ione is survived by her daughter, Dixie Fleming, and her husband, John Fleming; step-grandson, Daniel Fleming; brother, Terrance O’Brien; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Gobelle and Patti McKelvey; and nieces and nephews Jan Kansteiner, Terry Dorr, Jon Fore, Bud Fore, Kelly Hooper, Jeff McKelvey, and Jennifer Sylvander.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Highmore Area Foundation, PO Box 296, Pierre, SD 57501. These gifts will directly support nonprofit organizations serving the Highmore community.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Ione’s arrangements.
Services
Funeral Mass: Friday, October 9, 2026 10:30 am
St. Mary's Catholic Church
311 Parker Ave SW
Highmore, SD 57345
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Ione was of my favorite cousins. She always had a smile on her face and was always very welcoming. Her and Jim were always a hoot to visit and I enjoyed spending time with them. I visited with Ione in Texas a few years ago and had a great time. She will be missed.
Ione, my dear friend of more than 75 years. Wherever she moved, or I moved, we were always in touch. Our husbands were good friends also and the four of us spent so much time together, even on their honeymoon and into Jim’s last days on dialysis. The last years have been hard for Ione, but she didn’t complain, always said she was lucky to have people who cared. My condolences to Dixie, Terry, Deenie’s girls and all the other relatives. Sue Malmquist Grable, suegrable@gmail.com