It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Elaine Vivian Kleinsasser, who left us peacefully on April 9, 2025.
Elaine was the daughter of Clyde and Gertrude (Grooms) Coomes, born on June 10, 1944, in Rapid City, SD. She grew up on the family ranch between Creston and Farmingdale, SD. She attended grade school in Creston and graduated from New Underwood High School. Following high school, she attended Huron College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in teaching. Elaine was united in marriage to Ronald Kleinsasser in Deadwood, SD on June 1, 1969. Following their marriage Elaine went to work for various schools including the Martin and Rapid City School Systems. She was a dedicated teacher 24 years before her retirement.
Ronald and Elaine were a great team on the ranch. They were both very proud of being a part of the ranch for over 50 years. Elaine loved the ranching life and was a top hand with any of the jobs that come along with it. Throughout the years Elaine dearly loved each and every fur baby she raised, especially the many bum calves and kitties.
Elaine loved to shop. She and her mother were avid collectors of Fiesta Ware and she will always be remembered for her unbelievable cookie jar and Barbie Doll collections.
Ronald and Elaine took two long trips during their marriage, one to the east coast and one to Canada and the north-west. One of Elaine’s favorite spots was Butchart Gardens Victoria, BC. Ron and Elaine both really loved their regular trips to Deadwood and Custer State Park as well.
Elaine was a very resilient person with a strong personality. She was also a person of remarkable kindness, integrity, and quiet strength. Although Elaine valued her privacy and preferred a simple life, she touched the lives of many with her selflessness. Her acts of kindness, often unspoken and unrecognized, are a testament to the love and compassion she carried within. She was a faithful friend and will be remembered for the quiet yet profound impact she made in the lives of those fortunate enough to really know her. Her love, generosity, and caring spirit will be remembered forever by those whose lives she touched.
Grateful for having and shared in Elaine’s life are Ed and Susan McDonald and family, Ron Coomes, Tess Hinn, Anna Harris, Jane Reishus, Jerry and Della Mader and family, Monte and Loni Reichert and family, and numerous special neighbors and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Ronald Kleinsasser; her parents, Clyde and Gertrude Coomes; and a special Aunt Martha (Grooms) Woodhouse.
Visitation begins at 12 p.m. Interment will follow at Mt. View Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to any charity or cause in Elaine’s memory.
Sickness and sorrow come to us all. But through it we grow and learn to “stand tall”. For trouble is part and parcel of life, And no man can grow without struggle and strife, And the more we endure with patience and grace, The stronger we grow and the more we can face.
Rest in peace, Elaine, you have made the world a much brighter place.
Arrangements are with Kirk Funeral Home.
