Mildred Elaine "Millie" VanSickle, 84, of Newell died Wednesday, May 30, 2012, in the Lippold Hospice Suite at Sturgis Regional Hospital. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 9:00 AM at the Newell School auditorium with Pastor Sean Carney officiating.

Millie was born September 15, 1927, in Sturgis to John and Alma (Hansen) Ellefson. She grew up and attended school in the Marcus and Faith area, graduating from Faith High School in 1945. Millie attended Black Hills Teachers College and received her teaching certificate.

She married Roy VanSickle in Broadus, MT, on June 28, 1946. Millie taught in several different rural schools in Meade County. She became a stay at home mother after having the first of her seven children. When her younger children became school age, she returned to the classroom as a teacher's aide in Newell and continued to do this for well over 20 years. After retirement, she worked as a substitute teacher and remained active in the church circle at Newell Christian Fellowship, a coffee club, and several card clubs. Millie also enjoyed being a 4-H leader and working with the extension club. She was a very talented seamstress and made quilts for all of her grandkids.

Millie is survived by her husband of 65 years, Roy; four sons, Jim (Mary) VanSickle of Long Pine, NE, Bob (Rose) VanSickle of Newell, Dan (Cheryl) VanSickle of Spearfish, and Larry VanSickle of Sturgis; three daughters, Kerry Cessna of Altamont, IL, Vicki (Mike) Wolff of Newell, and Kris (Donnie Peck) Stiles of Hot Springs; 21 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by both parents; brothers, Eric, Bill, and Victor Ellefson; and one sister, Corinne Schmidt.

Click on link to view service folder