Nora Mae Ostby, 87, Apache Junction, AZ, and formerly of Sturgis, died February 7, 2011, at the Copper Cottage Hospice House in Mesa, AZ.

Visitation will be noon until 9:00 p.m. on Sunday with the family present from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, February, 14, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis with Pastor Kyle Reinhiller officiating. Burial will follow at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Nora was born September 22, 1923, at Glad Valley, SD, to Merlin and Leona (Corwin) Matter. She attended country school and graduated from Isabel High School in 1942. She attended Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish for 2 years.

Nora followed Donald Ostby to Camp Hood, TX, where they were married on November 25, 1944. After an honorable discharge, they moved to Van Port, OR, where their son, Terrill Dean was born. Shortly after, they moved to a ranch near Glad Valley, SD. Her Second child, Kenneth Karl was born in May of 1947. She returned to school and received her teachers certificate in 1949. Over the course of the next 10 years, she taught country school around the Glad Valley area, taking time off for their third child, Joy Lavonne, who was born in 1951.

In 1959, Nora and Don sold the ranch and moved the family to Deadwood where they purchased the 76 Motel. As young entrepreneurs, Nora and Don owned several businesses in Deadwood. Her last venture was the Franklin Gift House, which she sold in 1991. She retired and lived on the ranch near Bear Butte. Nora and Don enjoyed winters in Arizona. After Don's passing in April of 1999, Nora sold the ranch and moved to Apache Junction, AZ.

Nora was a member of the Moose, Eagles, and Elks Clubs. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, and her church.

Survivors include her sons, Terrill (Kimberly) Ostby and Kenneth (Kaylene) Ostby, all of Apache Junction, AZ; one daughter, Joy (David) McCracken, Rapid City, SD; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.

Her parents, two brothers, and her husband preceded her in death.

A memorial has been established.