Jean Nesbitt, 85, daughter of Pearl and Edna Bennett, passed away March 4, 2010 in Sioux Falls, SD. Jean graduated from Rapid City High School in 1942. She married Raymond R. Nesbitt on December 14, 1945 at First United Methodist Church. Because material was scarce during the war, Jean used Ray’s white silk parachute from WWII to make her lovely wedding dress. She was an expert seamstress, working from her home while her boys were young to make wedding and prom dresses as well as complete wardrobes for women in the Rapid City area. Jean later worked as a sales associate at Haggerty’s Department Store. She finished her career as Deputy Clerk of Courts for Pennington County, retiring from that position after 17 years of service. While there, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Jean was a member of ABWA (American Business Women’s Association) and First United Methodist Women. In 2005, Jean and Ray moved to Sioux Falls to be closer to their sons and their families. Jean took great joy in many things, including baking, hosting family gatherings, hobby club, bridge club, church activities, and especially her family. Her grandchildren and great grandsons were true joys in her life.

Jean is survived by her husband of 65 years, Ray; her two sons, Carter (Lois) and Curt (Carol); six grandchildren; Peter, Matt (Jenn), Annie (Chance), Joey, Sam, and Aaron; two great grandsons: Oliver and Mason; her sister, Faye Haas; two brothers-in-law: Bill Critser and Hugh Nesbitt (Virginia); and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, and her siblings: Russell Bennett, Vivian Whitehead, Marion Slocum, Betty Lutheran, and Shirley Critser.

Visitation will be at Kirk Funeral Home, Rapid City, Monday, March 8 from 5-7 pm. Funeral service is Tuesday, March 9, 10:30 am, also at Kirk Funeral Home. Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery.