Kay Ronspies

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am. on Saturday, June 3, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Armour, SD. Bittner Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements. Kay Ronspies was born February 14, 1950, to Earl and Hilda (Fuerst) Mills in Parkston, SD. Kay went to three different country schools before attending Armour High School, graduating in 1968. She had many farm pets from a pet hen, Rosa, to a ewe sheep, Susie, and her pet cats. She helped her mom with chores after school. Kay married Paul Ronspies on November 23, 1968. The couple made their home near Armour, SD. Kay worked at Colonial Manor Nursing Home for several years, and had many part-time jobs before moving in 1985 to Dallas, SD, where she managed Rainbow Ranch until 1996. They then moved to Hawarden where Kay worked at a couple of different factories. She later attended Bio Chi Institute to become a licensed massage therapist.

She enjoyed crocheting rag rugs for wedding gifts and such, and enjoyed being outside in her flower and vegetable garden. In 2020, Kay moved to Mitchell to be closer to family. Kay was especially grateful to her daughter, Tracy, for the days, months, and miles she put in to be with her mother during her cancer battle. She appreciated everyone who gave their time and love during her illness. Her smile always showed her caring and loving spirit.

Kay Ronspies, age 72, of Mitchell, SD, passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at her home under hospice care.

Kay is survived by her children, Troy (Pam) Ronspies of St. George, UT, and Tracy (Aaron) Daniel of Lincoln, MT; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister Charlene (Vern) Gerlach; sisters-in-law Lavonne Mills and Bonnie Mills Prince; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her parents; brother Richard Mills; nephew Blasé Ronspies; niece Diana Hohn; sister-in-law Barbara Wieczorek; and brother-in-law Jeff Lewis.