Priscilla Paynter

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Priscilla Paynter, 91, of Highmore, passed away Friday, April 15, 2016 at the Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital in Miller.

Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Highmore with Father Chester Murtha, celebrant. Burial followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Highmore. A prayer service was held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at the church.

Priscilla was born May 12, 1924 in Mitchell, South Dakota to Lee F. and Katherine (Donegan) Newell and joined an older sister Arlene and later welcomed a brother Roger. She grew up in Plankinton, SD and graduated from Plankinton High School and spent time helping her dad in the grocery store while growing up.

On June 21, 1943, she was united in marriage to Wilford (Bill) G. Paynter at Eagle Pass Army Air Base, Eagle Pass, Texas while Bill was there for training during WWII. Priscilla stayed a brief time in Texas after the wedding and took several trips across the Mexican border as items were rationed in the United States for the war effort. She then took the train back to Plankinton, South Dakota as her new husband was preparing to head overseas for his military service. To this union, Bill and Priscilla welcomed three children, Connie, Jim, and Richard.

Priscilla was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, American Legion Auxiliary and served as a 4-H leader for many years and was active in the Extension Clubs. She spent many years as a homemaker before helping their youngest son, Rich in his hardware store business. She kept books for him for years and enjoyed getting to know people as they would come into the store. Priscilla enjoyed throughout the years keeping up with her children, grandchildren and later her great-grandchildren in all their activities. She was quite proud of all their accomplishments and the front of her fridge held many pictures and articles throughout years. Priscilla enjoyed sewing, quilting and knitting. Many family and friends benefited from her handiwork. Reading, puzzles, bird watching and taking care of dogs were all activities she enjoyed during her life.

Priscilla is survived by her loving husband of over 72 years, Bill of Highmore; children: Connie (Ken) Brueggeman, Highmore, SD, Jim (Susie) Paynter, Mantorville, MN, and Richard (Shelly) Paynter, Highmore, SD; grandchildren: Billy Brueggeman, Pat (Kristin) Brueggeman, Carrie Jo (Jim) Stephenson, Jestine and Ellie Paynter, Remington Paynter and a step-granddaughter, Brittnee (Al Bawek) Short; great-grandchildren: Austin, Brennen, Collin, Aiden, and Sophia Brueggeman, Carson and Carly Stephenson, and step-great granddaughter, Miranda Rockwood.

Welcoming Priscilla home are her parents; father and mother-in-law, Grant and Maude Paynter; sister and brother in-law, Arlene and Pete Peterson; brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Betty Newell; all of her husband Bill’s siblings; and a granddaughter in-law, Heidi Brueggeman.

 Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Priscilla’s arrangements.