Carol Ann Jennings, a loving, gentle, and intelligent woman, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2023, in Sioux Falls, SD. Born on May 30, 1934, in Highmore, SD, she lived a life filled with love, service, and dedication to her family and community. Funeral Services for Carol will be held at 10:30am, Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Pierre. Interment will follow at G.A.R. Cemetery in Miller, SD.

CLICK HERE to watch Carol’s service.

Carol was a proud graduate of Highmore High School, class of 1952, after attending East Eagle and North Eagle Country Schools. Her dedication to education and hard work was evident in her professional life. She began her career at the First State Bank in Highmore in 1952, where she worked until 1967. After a brief hiatus, she returned to the workforce going to work at Garrigan Chevrolet in Highmore. In 1999, Carol found her calling at the State of South Dakota Government Archives in Pierre, where she served until her retirement in 2009. She found great joy in assisting people with their research, helping them uncover family histories and past events.

Carol’s love for history extended beyond her professional life. She was a charter member of the Hyde County Historical and Genealogy Society, a volunteer at the Verendrye Museum, and a member of the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center. She was also a dedicated member of the Frank Vopat American Legion Auxiliary, the BKQ Extension Club, and the First Congregational United Church of Christ and the Riggs Guild of the Women’s Fellowship. Her faith served as her foundation, guiding her throughout her life.

Carol was a woman of many interests, but her greatest love was for her family. She was first married to Howard Lettau, and they adopted their beloved children, Lisa and Joel. Later, she married Clayton Jennings, who preceded her in death. Carol cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often embarking on outdoor adventures in search of heart-shaped rocks, a testament to her love for nature and her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Dale) Christensen of Kadoka, SD, and son, Joel Lettau of Highmore, SD. Her legacy will continue to live on through her grandchildren, Laycee (Chris) Gamber of Watertown, SD, Blayne (Shiann) Lettau of Fort Pierre, SD, Logan (Rebekah) Christensen of Philip, SD, and Brooke Lettau of Miller, SD, as well as her great-grandchildren, Sophie, Hannah, and Holden Gamber, and Shiloh Christensen. She is also survived by her brothers, Dale (Dee) Wurtz of Fort Pierre, SD, and Roger Wurtz of Highmore, SD, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Carol Ann Jennings was a woman of grace and kindness, who touched the lives of many with her gentle spirit and love for others. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to be a part of her life.

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