Bernice (Chowen) Grant, 96, Sturgis, died Friday, April 16, 2010, at Sturgis Regional Senior Care.

Bernice was born to Mary Ronning and Hugh Chowen at their home near Chalk Butte, SD, on May 21, 1913. She attended the Rose School in Meade County, two years at Stoneville High School, graduating in Sturgis in 1933.

She married Charles E. Grant at Lead, SD, on December 16, 1935. The farmed from 1935-1938 at Bear Butte Valley, and Vale, SD, from 1938 until Charles' death in 1984. Bernice moved into the town of Vale, July of 1989, where she has lived until being in the Sturgis Regional Senior Care Center, Sturgis, SD.

The Vale Lutheran Church was the main focus of her daily life. Without fail, on a daily basis she was reading her Bible lessons, studying for Sunday School, and praying for Pastors and extended outreach for those in need. Bernice was a continued and faithful giver of time, talent, and tithing to those needing love, assistance and money. She was a kind compassionate, caring and loving person. Everyone or anyone at any time was welcomed to visit, enjoy meals and share memories at her home in Vale.

Bernice was the eldest of six children and only 11 years old when her mother died in childbirth. Bernice assumed responsibility as mother, sister, homemaker and friend to the rest of the younger children at this young tender age. She continued her loving care and support, as care giver, helper, and friend all through her life to the many she loved.

Although she did not bear any children of her own, she was called Mother by several children she and Charles raised during the years. They raised Ross, Robert and Duane Michaels (nephews of Charles Grant), Phyllis Michaels (niece of Charles Grant), Dennis and Linda Chowen (second cousins of Bernice Grant) and had other children living at their home from a few months to years. We are so very grateful to call her Mom, and Charles as Dad. No one was ever turned away from their home. She and Charles continued both prayer and financial support for all her extended family.

During the summer months when children were not attending school, many nephews, nieces, and grandchildren were spending their vacations helping with growing crops and gardens, running the dairy, and household chores at the Grant home. It was common for Charles and Bernice to have from 4 to 6 children staying with them nearly all summer long, every summer. They also were primary caregivers for Mary O'Connell (Charles' sister), and Hugh Chowen (Bernice's father) during those special times when they needed care.

Bernice was very active in her community. She held every office within the Vale Lutheran Church organization, a 4-H leader and contributor for generations, Vale Community Club supporter, and several local Bible Study groups, and social clubs. She loved being with people, preparing meals, visiting friends and just being Bernice.

Bernice is survived by her niece, Phyllis Michaels, Spearfish, SD; son, Dennis W. Chowen and wife, Roxie, Sturgis; daughter, Linda Remington and husband, Earl, Vale; and daughter-in-laws, Nira (Michaels) Nichols, Lead, SD, and Lillian Michaels, Mt. Vernon, WA. Grandchildren are Craig Remington and wife, Teresa, Fayetteville, AR; Barb (Remington) and husband, Bud Ray, Billings, MT; DeLayne Chowen and wife, Beth, Richmond, VA; Dana Chowen and wife, Amy, Fort Lauderdale, FL; DeeKenna (Chowen) Rhode and husband, Jeremy, Clermont, FL; Wayne Michaels and wife, Kim, Sturgis; Patrick Michaels and wife, Michelle, Mt. Vernon, WA; Darla and brother, Charles Michaels, of MN; Alan Michaels and wife, Carol, Lafayette, CO; Twila and husband, Ray Scribner, and Duane (Jr.) Michaels, both of CO; Richard Michaels, Sturgis; Bobbie Williams, Deadwood; Stella Anderson and husband, Steve, Lead; Patti Flynn and husband, Steve, Red Lodge, MT; Helen Miller and husband, Doug, Rapid City; and Pam Lewis and husband, Adam, Sturgis.

Bernice is also survived by several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren along with several great-nieces and nephews.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Grant; her parents; a baby; two brothers, Charles Chowen and James Chowen; three sisters, Adelaide Speed, Martha Grant, and Mick Keeney; nephews, Ross, Robert, and Duane Michaels; and great-nephews, TommyLee and Michael Anderson and Randy Michaels.

Saddened, yes, forgotten, no, and loved forever by those who were touched in a very special way from our mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and most special friend that God has given to us for sharing, caring, and enjoying.

Thank you, Lord, for giving us Bernice Grant over 96 years. We pray you will hold her in your loving arms till we can again see her in our next and everlasting life.

Memorials have been established for Hospice care in Sturgis and the Vale Lutheran Church.

Visitation will be Tuesday April 20th from noon until 9:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Sturgis with Rev. Michael Fox officiating. Burial will follow at Bear Butte Cemetery.