Jerald "Jerry" Francis Tifft, 63, Newell, died Thursday Dec. 28, 2006 at his residence following a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig's disease.

Funeral services were held Tuesday Jan. 2, 2007 at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Mr. Jim Chafee officiating. Burial follows at the Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis.

Memorials have been established to the Hospice of the Northern Hills and to the Ronald McDonald House in Honor of his grandson, Conner, who is battling Leukemia.

Jerry was born Dec. 13, 1943 at Rapid City, to Glenn Lathrop and Inez (Chafee) Tifft. He was raised at Union Center, S.D. where he developed his loved of ranching.

On Oct. 2, 1965, Jerry married Janet Miller at Newell. Together they ranched for 20 years at Stoneville, S.D. To this marriage four children were born.

In 1985 he sold his ranch and went to work for the Meade County Highway Department as the bridge foreman. He worked until his retirement in 2005.

His infectious humor and love for life attracted numerous friends. His honesty and abundant willingness to always be there to help his family, neighbors and friends is a legacy that will be forever remembered by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife Janet, Newell; two sons, Vince (Collette) Tifft, Newell, Verl Tifft, Newell; two daughters, Velvaleah (John) Clauser, Spearfish, Vonda (Mike) Clausen, Newell; one sister, Twyla (Larry) Schraeder, Sturgis; one brother, Tom (Brenda) Tifft, Union Center; seven grandchildren, Chelsey, Kyle, Katelyn, Jacindah, John, Matt and Conner.

He was preceded in death by his parents.