Ella “JoAn” Dean

Ella “JoAn” Dean of Oral, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 7, 1941, on her family’s homestead along Argyle Road in Hot Springs, South Dakota, JoAn grew up working alongside her siblings, learning early that life’s greatest riches lie in the enduring bonds of family. On December 28, 1957, she married Everett M. Dean, and together they raised five children during a marriage that spanned 63 years until Everett’s passing in 2020. The deep and abiding love she gave her family remained the cornerstone of her life and legacy.

JoAn and Everett shared many adventures, from camping across the West to living for a time in California, where she spent cherished hours by the ocean with her young children. The family later lived in Idaho before returning to South Dakota. One of her most treasured experiences was her first and only plane ride to Atlanta, Georgia, where she climbed Stone Mountain with her daughter Ruthie and granddaughter Rachelle. In the early years in South Dakota, she and Everett operated a small sawmill, where JoAn worked tirelessly while caring for her growing family. They later settled in the southern hills of South Dakota, where she remained until her passing.

She was admired for her heartfelt devotion to family, her sharp wit and strong will, and her unwavering commitment to hard work. JoAn faced every challenge with determination and laughter, inspiring those around her to persevere. She dedicated many years to working as a construction flagger, continuing until the age of 75. Her reliability, integrity, and loving spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her, and she instilled those same qualities in the lives she touched.

JoAn is survived by her children Everett (Kim) Dean of Newcastle, Wyoming, Sandy (Jeff) Shuck of Newcastle, Wyoming, Ruthie (Wiener) Frasier of Keystone, South Dakota, and Lisa (Russ) Frasier of Oral, South Dakota; her sister Wilma (Chuck) Goodsell of Pringle, South Dakota; her brother Bill (Joanne) Pond of Rapid City, South Dakota; 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Everett, her son David, her great-grandchild Haven Frasier, her sisters Ruth Britton, Cookie Whitney, and Ruby Rothluetner, and her brothers Eldon, Olie, Lyle, and Albert Pond.