Bernice Margaret Maggard passed into the arms of the Lord on Saturday, March 6, 2010.

Bernice was born on July 8, 1922 in Porcupine, SD to Ray and Susie (Harvey) Keester. She was the oldest of seven children.

She graduated from the Holy Rosary Mission, and at the age of 19 she moved to Rapid City and began her long working career. Bernice spent many years at Bell Telephone and then Civil Service at Ellsworth Air Force Base. She retired from Sioux San Hospital and many of these same years she owned and ran a boarding house.

Bernice had two sons from her marriage to Clifford Maggard. She prided herself with putting her family first. In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, reading and embroidery.

She is survived by two sons, Jerrold (Patty) Maggard of Hot Springs and Robert (Patty) Maggard of Ashland, TN, one daughter in spirit, Johanna Maggard of Rapid City, five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her two sisters and her best friends, Grace (Danny) Hern of Rapid City and Katherine Sollid of Rapid City and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Arthur, Gilbert and Henry Keester, one sister, Elina Geminz and one granddaughter, Carol Maggard.

Visitation will be from 4pm to 6pm on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City.

Services will be at 11am on Thursday, March 11 at the funeral home with Father Bill Zandri officiating.