Tamara (Tammy) Jo Huffman, age 66, passed away peacefully with family by her side at the Gary Lippold Hospice unit in Sturgis, SD on Saturday May 16th, 2026.

Tamara (Tammy) Jo Huffman was born on June 26, 1959 to Fred & Twyla Huffman in Newcastle WY. In 1961, she moved with her parents and siblings to Sturgis, SD. Tammy attended the Meade 46-1 school system graduating in 1977. She began working as a candy striper for Sturgis Hospital, then became an aide while getting her degree in nursing. After becoming a Registered Nurse, she continued working for the Sturgis hospital alongside of many special friends and doctors. Tammy worked somewhere between 25-32 years for the hospital until she had to quit due to a medical disability involving her back.

Tammy married Rick Riccardo during her college years and they later divorced. Tammy was married to Ray Lesmeister until his passing in 2023.

Her best buds were her animals and she loved them all dearly.

Tammy is survived by her mother, Twyla Huffman, Sturgis. Her brother, Dan Huffman (Sandy), Whitewood and her sister, Tina Huffman, Sturgis. She is also survived by her 7 nephews: Kyle Huffman, Kasidy Huffman, Brandon Huffman, Toby Tveidt, Sheldon Tveidt, Tyson Schlenker and Austin Schlenker. Tammy is also survived by many great-nieces & great-nephews, her Aunt Valda Yamada & numerous cousins. She is also survived by several of Ray's family members.

Tammy was proceeded in death by her husband, Ray Lesmeister, paternal and maternal grandparents, her father Fred Huffman and sister, Dixie Tveidt and niece, Moriah Huffman. She was also proceeded in death by several members of Ray's family.

Tammy is also survived by many special friends, too numerous to name them all.

Visitation will held one hour prior to the burial at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, at 8:30am, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, burial will follow, at Black Hills National Cemetery, at 10:00am, on May 27, 2026.

There will be coffee and/or lunch following the burial at the Sturgis Veteran's Club.