Stephanie Veronica Rodriguez passed away April 8, 2024, after a long battle with depression.

Stephanie was born on June 21, 1995, to Vic and Maria Rodriguez in Rapid City, South Dakota. She grew up in Sturgis, SD, graduating high school in 2014. She would then go on to attend the University of South Dakota and graduate with a bachelor's in finance. Stephanie joined the South Dakota National Guard in the summer of 2014. Her military service included one combat tour to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. She finished her military career at the rank of Staff Sergeant, earning several ribbons and awards along the way. She had recently found a passion in helping troubled youths and worked in the field of youth counseling. Stephanie had recently been accepted into a graduate program to earn a master's degree in counseling.

Stephanie enjoyed chilling with her friends and cousins, and always had the goal of bringing smiles to everyone she was in contact with. Spending quality time with her nieces and nephew were greatly cherished moments by Stephanie and the kids. The bonds Stephanie developed with her nieces and nephew were unmatched by any other uncles or aunts. She maintained close and loving connections with her mother and father, having both wrapped around her finger. Stephanie was truly the glue that held her family and friendships together.

A goofy, sarcastic, and loving individual, Stephanie devoted her life to bringing smiles to her friends and family. She is survived by her mother, Maria (Rob Miner), in Sturgis, SD; father, Vic, in Patrick AFB, FL; brother and sister-in-law, Erick & Leslie, in Summerset, SD; and brother, and brother-in-law, Jerry & Ross, Los Angeles, CA.

Nothing can express the loss we all feel other than the gratitude we share for our fortune in having her in our lives.

Funeral services will be 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rapid City, SD.

Interment with military honors will be 2:30 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.