Lorraine Van Pelt, 79, of Rapid City, SD, passed away on May 4, 2024, at Westhills Health Care in hospice care.
Lorraine was born on July 22, 1944 to Willis and Mildred Derstine in Bedminster, PA. She was one of eleven children and spent her youth working on the family farm. After graduating high school, Lorraine worked at Eastern Rotorcraft where she met her husband, Clyde. They married in 1966. Their son, Todd, was born two years later. Daughter Kimberly was born in 1973. Lorraine took great joy in taking care of her family.
Clyde and Lorraine made a big move to Pocatello, ID, when Clyde retired in 2000. After Clyde passed away in 2022, Lorraine made another move to Westhills Village in Rapid City to be closer to her daughter. Lorraine made many friends in her short time at Westhills as she volunteered for many tasks, participated in exercise classes, Bible studies, and even took up hiking. She was an annual participant in the Montana Women’s Run in Billings.
Lorraine fought a short but valiant battle against pancreatic cancer. She went home to be with Jesus on May 4, 2024.
Lorraine is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Clyde; her parents, Willis and Mildred; brothers, Abe, Wilmer, and Stanley; and sister, Doris. She is survived by her son, Todd (Stacey) of Perkasie, PA; daughter, Kimberly (Seth) of Hot Springs, SD; grandchildren, Ben, Jeff, Ashley and Nate; great grandson, Jaxon. Surviving brothers and sisters include: George, Merril, Wayne, Alma, Betty, and Mary.
A celebration of life was held on May 11, 2024 at Westhills Village where friends and family gathered to share stories of a life well-lived.
Friends and family may sign the online guest register and leave written condolences at WestRiverFuneral.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of West River Funeral Directors.
