Viola Dorothy “Vi” Lightfield, 91, of Brookings, SD, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, at Dow Rummel Village, Sioux Falls, SD.
Memorial services have been set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at Ascension Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD. Memorial Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to the Alzheimer’s Association South Dakota Chapter 5915 South Remington Place No. 110, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 in Viola’s name.
Viola Dorothy Fuoss was born on March 28, 1933, in Murdo, South Dakota, the daughter of Henry and Olga (Liffengren) Fuoss. She had two older brothers, Orville and Floyd, and a younger sister, Mary Ann.
Vi received her education in rural schools in Jones County and graduated from Draper High School in 1951. She continued her education at Augustana where she received her teacher’s certificate. She attended Black Hills State College and graduated in 1959 with a degree in education. Vi taught school in Hot Springs, SD; Roundup, MT; and Omaha, NE.
She was united in marriage to Ernie E. Lightfield on Dec. 27, 1959, in Draper, SD. She taught school in Belle Fourche, SD before moving to Brookings, SD, in 1967. Together, she and Ernie raised three amazing children, Ken, Karen, and John. She taught fourth grade at Hillcrest Elementary from 1977 until her retirement in 1993. She enjoyed teaching her students about pioneer life and would often dress the part. Ernie passed away on May 22, 2005.
Vi was an avid member of Ascension Lutheran Church, the church Circle, Extension Club, and multiple bridge clubs. She was constantly on the go enjoying sewing, quilting, counted cross stitch, card playing, reading, and especially spending time with family and friends. At the drop of a hat, Vi would say “Yes!” to attend any grandkid’s activity. She also loved to travel and see new places, especially when she traveled with family and friends or to visit relatives. Bus tours and cruises topped her list of favorites.
Grateful to have shared her life, Vi is survived by her children, Karen (Mike) Budde of Sioux Falls, SD, and John (Kimberly) Lightfield of Milbank, SD; her grandchildren, Spencer, Kelsey, Connor, Madeline, Maxwell, and Graham; her great-granddaughters, Alexa, Brianna, and Falon; her daughter-in-law, Diane Lightfield of Appleton, WI; a sister, Mary Ann Johnson of Loveland, CO and many nieces and nephews.
Vi is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ernie; her son, Ken; two brothers, Orville and Floyd, and an infant sister, Barbara.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.
