Spitfire, "a good kid", opinionated, loyal, class clown, loving - these are just a few words used to describe Dara. Dara was killed in a motor vehicle accident early Tuesday morning.

Dara was born April 18, 1996. She grew up in Sturgis spending much of her childhood living with her Grandma Patty and Grandpa Wayne. Dara graduated from Sturgis Brown High School in 2014 where she was friendly and social; so social that one of her teachers created a special "zone" using yellow tape to mark her area - otherwise she would wander the classroom visiting with everyone. Dara once received a Certificate of Achievement /Award of Distinction for "Keeping the Class Smiling" - a true representation of Dara! She also was a champion of others, and was always putting others before herself. Dara once told her Grandma Patty about another student that "I like her because no one else does."

Dara worked for Virginia "the t-shirt lady" for three summers, always telling her that she would take a break after she sold" just one more shirt." Recently, Dara had been employed by Northern Hills Vet clinic where she loved working with all the animals. Being petite didn't keep Dara from jumping in to help wherever she was needed whether with a small kitten or helping support a 90 pound sedated dog.

Those that knew her would say that Dara would rather talk than eat. Growing up, her Grandma Patty would have to remind her to stop talking and eat, over and over again, with her Grandpa adding in his reminders. These gentle admonishments only worked briefly with Dara again starting a conversation, often with "so Grandpa how was your day?" This might have been a holdover from her early childhood when she was a very picky eater once hiding her "bouncy" bacon under the tablecloth.

Dara always had an opinion, and would stick to it. She'd take her grandpa, father, and brother to task - but never her grandma; she knew there were some limits you just didn't push. Family was everything to Dara; she would always put her siblings before herself, and would do anything to help them.

Growing up in the Black Hills was a wonderful experience for Dara. She loved the outdoors and to go hiking in the Hills. She was an amazing artist and her love of life came through in her artwork. She showed her talent by drawing everything and anything. She would draw fantastic cartoon characters imbued with fun and life. Her geometric drawings were wildly creative and filled with her joy of life. Her joy and brightness will be missed by all who knew her. She was a special young woman who was loved by many.

Services will be held Saturday, April 16, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at the Sturgis Vet's Club in Sturgis, SD.

Dara is survived by her father, Christopher Reynolds; her mother, Shelia Sanding Bear; siblings, Kyle Reynolds and Tori Keffeler; plus step-siblings, Braden, Branden, Tyra, and Tage Standing Bear; her grandparents, Wayne and Patty Reynolds, Anne Reynolds, Candy and Larry Morrell, and Herb Houchin; aunts, Stacy, Shannon, Sheila, Shelly, and Joie; uncle, Josh; and various cousins.

Hold the memory of Dara in your heart, her joy of life, and sense of fun. Let the sunshine of her smile carry you through the stormy days. "You can cry because I'm gone or you can celebrate because I lived."

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