Kathleen was born the youngest of eight on December 20, 1940 in Sturgis, SD, to Sam E. and Ada B. (Burditt) Simons. She grew up on the family farm between Plainview and Marcus. Kay attended the one-room Barada rural school. While in grade school, Kay attended many country dances, acting as a chaperone for her older sister, Gladys. It was at one of these dances that she met her life-long dance partner, Howard Ingalls. Howard and Kay were married on June 1, 1958, less than a month after she graduated from Sturgis Brown High School.
Howard and Kay lived and raised their family on the home-place in Opal, where they raised Angus cattle, sheep, chickens, and grandkids. Kay was the Opal Postmaster for 32 years, an active member of the Opal Community Church, and avid volunteer within her community. She was a mentor and friend to many new and old housewives; sharing advice only after listening carefully with the ear of her heart. Kay was well-known for her cooking ability, and potluck attendees watched with an eagle eye for her made-from-scratch dishes that were prepared with love. Kay had a passion for gardening and canning, but especially for her faith. Her love for family was apparent during all the dedicated years she spent planning family reunions for both the Ingalls and Simons families. Kay's greatest source of joy came from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. You would find her snuggling a baby, putting together a puzzle, or reading out loud to them.
Kathleen "Kay" Fay Ingalls, 79, of Sturgis, went to her eternal home on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, eleven days before her 80th birthday.
Kathleen is survived by her daughter, Rita (Roch) Bestgen and their children, Karen (Darren) Gebes, Dirk (Twyla), Paul, Luke (Jessica), John (Maria), Mauri (Peter) Sobotka, Adam (Kate), Juliana (Stephen) Sobotka, Andrew, Kaylene, and Loman Bestgen; her son, Rodney (Tracy) Ingalls and their children, Nathan (Meg), Jason (Tess), and Justin; her son, Robert (JoDee) Ingalls and their children, Amanda, Laura (Ben) Meyer, James (Tashonna), Sarah (Levi) Walters, JoAnna (Brandon) Moody, Matthew, Timothy (Casey), Mary Beth, Robbie, Samuel, Jessica, Eli, Joey, Tessa, Kathryn, Abigail, Autumn, Susanna, and Luke Ingalls; 35 great-grandchildren; sister, Freda Wilson; brother, Walter (Barbara) Simons; and several nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-seven years, Howard Ingalls; grandsons, Ryan Ingalls, Blase Bestgen, and Mark Bestgen; her parents; brothers, William, Vern, and Wayne Simons; sisters, Clara Beth Peterson and Gladys Edwards; and several important friends and family members.
Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with memorial services beginning at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at the Central Meade County Community Center in Union Center, with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating.
A private family inurnment will be held at Opal Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials have been established to the Opal Community Church and the Mark Bestgen Memorial Park.

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