Kathy Ann (Byrne) Wood was born in Mobridge, SD, on October 26, 1946, to Bob and Ruth (Dearborn) Byrne. She joined older siblings: Pat, Jim, Larry, Tom, and sister Ramona. Kathy described her family with lots of love and faith. Most every story included how well her brothers stuck up for her and always having her back in every situation. Her parents obviously instilled a “hard work” ethic in her. Kathy knew how to tackle a job and get it done.
Kathy attended elementary school at Mobridge, Trail City and Ottumwa, SD, and then attended high school at St. Martin’s Academy in Rapid City. Kathy told many stories of the Nuns at her school. After graduating high school, she went to college at Black Hills State in Spearfish for two years. Kathy started teaching in Milesville, SD, where she met Kenneth McDaniel. Kathy continued teaching at other area schools throughout her life.
Kathy married Kenneth McDaniel on June 12, 1967, in Philip, SD. They lived in Philip working on the family ranch with Kenny’s brother, Harold McDaniel. A few years later, Kenny and Kathy welcomed a son Travis. Kenny was taken from this family in a tragic airplane accident on November 1, 1972. Soon after Kenny’s passing, Kathy and her son, Travis, moved just outside of Belle Fourche. Kathy’s brother Larry introduced his sister to his friend Gilbert Wood. Obviously, it was love at first sight for both. Gilbert and Kathy were married in Belle Fourche on June 5th, 1973. Gilbert brought into this marriage 3 children Clint Wood, Jane (Wood) Burke, and Clay Gilman. In 1981, they welcomed another daughter to this family Nicole (Wood) Jones.
Throughout the years, Kathy has always been very active in St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church of Newell. She has had many jobs over the years – from owning her own restaurants and catering businesses to cooking for anyone who needed fed. Anyone was always welcome at her table. No matter what, she LOVED to feed people and was a very good cook. She was as passionate about her food as she was about her family. Both Kathy and Gilbert enjoyed working at the local sale barns and loved a good game of cards with family and friends. Kathy touched so many lives in her own special way. Her faith and determination made her the very strong person that got her through a lot of tough times in life. It was very important to her to pass that onto her children and grandchildren.
Kathy passed away at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital on November 9, 2023, surrounded by family.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years Gilbert Wood of Newell, SD. Children: Nicole (Todd) Jones of Sturgis, SD, Travis (Missy) Wood of Spearfish, SD, Clint (Katherine) Wood of Wickenberg, AZ, Jane (Joe) Burke of Newell, SD, and Clay (Robin) Gilman of Springville, CA. Siblings: Larry (Barbara) Byrne of Sundance, WY, Tom (Aileen) Byrne of Pine Haven, WY, and sister-in-law Betty Jane (Jim) Byrne of Devils Tower, WY. Kathy is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that she adored.
Kathy was preceded in death by her first husband Kenny McDaniel; her parents, Bob and Ruth; her siblings, Jim, Pat, and Ramona; her infant grandson Jamie Burke; and her sister-in-law Nelda Byrne.
Visitation will be Monday, November 13, 2023 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Newell, SD, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., with a rosary at 7:00. Mass of Christian Burial will be at the church Tuesday, November 14, 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery in Newell.
A memorial has been established to the St. Mary’s Star of the Sea church, Newell, SD
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
