Lisa Ganje Nelson, the joy and beauty and brightest light in our lives, began her journey home to the heavens on January 24, 2024 in Rapid City, SD, surrounded by those who loved her best.

Lisa was born in Eagle Butte, SD on November 25, 1970 to David Dewitt Ganje and Colette Norma (Opp) Ganje. As a young girl, she lived in various places in South Dakota, wherever her father's flight career took them. She was the sweetest, happiest little girl, with the biggest brown eyes, who enjoyed being with her two sets of grandparents and all her aunts, uncles, and cousins. Lisa, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, enjoyed being outside at her grandparent's ranch south of Ridgeview, where she dug wild turnips, helped her grandma garden, played with farm animals, and helped with chores. Visiting her grandma in Eagle Butte was something she also loved doing. While there, she loved to get candy at Naeve's grocery, play with typewriters at adult education, get books at the Dakota Club Library while visiting her Aunt Harriet, and exploring the community with her cousins and friends.

Following the death of her father, David, in 1977, her mother Colette moved the family to Fort Pierre to be near her sister and close friends. Colette met Vince Maher, whom she later married, and he brought his children with him into the family. She enjoyed a close relationship with the family she gained. They moved to Mobridge where Lisa attended school through her junior year. Her senior year, she transferred to St. Mary's Catholic School in New England, ND, graduating in 1989. She then attended Stewart School of Hairstyling in Aberdeen, SD, finding her passion for cosmetology.

Lisa worked for many years in Spearfish, SD at various salons where she made lifelong friends with coworkers and clients. She would often say that being a hairdresser was similar to being a bartender - dispensing advice, empathy, and sometimes a shoulder to cry on. She took particular pride when her customers looked in the mirror with a smile and newfound confidence. Auntie Lisa gave first haircuts to her many nieces and nephews, and always kept her family at the top of her client list.

She met the love of her life, Gary Nelson, at her salon. Their relationship grew as they spent time together with mutual friends in Spearfish. They were married on November 2, 1998 at the Breezes Runaway Bay in the parish of St. Anne in Jamaica. The new couple returned to make their home in Newell, SD and began a family. As Gary's partner on the Nelson Family Farm, Lisa helped drive combines, moved machinery, and brought food to family and crews.

Lisa loved her children beyond measure. She and Gary welcomed their son Nicholas Austin in 1998 and Abigail Mae in 2002. Anyone who knows Lisa, knows that her children and husband were the center of her universe. She supported her children in everything they did, exposing her children to books, theater, the arts, 80's music, and guiding them in their faith. Throwing creative, elaborate parties for her children and their friends was something she enjoyed. As her children grew older and found their life passions, she was a trusted advisor and confidante for them as they pursued their dreams - Nick with journalism and Abbie with golf management. Lisa's face lit up when talking about how proud she was of her children and their accomplishments.

Lisa was an active member in her community of Newell. She attended St. Mary's, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church where she taught Catholic education classes, assisted with altar society, and was a confirmation sponsor. She also served on the SD Horizons Rural Project Steering Committee, the Belle Fourche Area Head Start Board, Newell's Parent/Teacher Organization, Newell Community Club, and helped with numerous school functions and activities. Numerous friends were made in Newell while participating in community functions and socializing, often at the Newell Golf Club. She enjoyed photography and taking pictures of nature, farm life, and friends and family.

Lisa will always be remembered for her smile and giggle, her sense of humor, her welcoming spirit, and her passion for her family, friends, and the life she got to share with them at the gatherings that are too numerous to count. She always looked forward to spending time with her nieces and nephews and had a special relationship with each one; they were always excited to spend time at Aunt Lisa's house,

Lisa is survived by her husband, Gary, Newell, SD; son, Nicholas, Wichita, KS; daughter, Abigail, Colorado Springs, CO; sisters, Deneen (Carson) Redd, Spearfish, SD, Tracie (Shane) Clark, Rapid City, SD; brother, Michael Ganje, Eagle Butte, SD; step-sister, Jill (Steve) Everson, Aberdeen, SD. Her aunts, Lucy (Sharon Carson) Ganje, Francie Ganje, Marie Long, Tina (Robert) Clement, Sheila Ganje; mother-in-law, Alberta Nelson; sisters-in-law, Sherry, Iona, Rosalyn, Rosalie; and brother-in-law, John.

Lisa is preceded in death by her parents, David and Colette; her grandparents, Norman and Ione Opp and Ben and Marj Ganje; her stepbrother, Troy Maher; her uncles, Jon Ganje and August Opp; aunt, Harriet Glassmaker, and step-father, Vince Maher.

The family wishes to thank Monument Health nursing staff for their care and support, All Saints Altar Society, supportive friends and family in Eagle Butte, and the CRST Support services.

A memorial has been established to All Saints Parish.

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