ST. LAWRENCE – Larry Ames, 76, of St. Lawrence, passed away Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital, Miller.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church, Miller, with Pastor Allison Galbreath officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Miller. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by a 6:00 p.m. prayer service, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, all at the church.

Larry was born on January 25, 1948, in Miller, SD, Larry was the youngest of four children born to Wesley and Myrtle (Seeley) Ames. Raised on the family farm, he grew up loving the outdoors. When he wasn’t helping with chores, Larry could be found riding his pony across the pastures, hunting rabbits, or fishing. He attended rural elementary schools, graduated from Miller High School, and then furthered his education at Kansas City Tech, where he graduated at the top of his class. He was a member of the South Dakota National Guard and attended college at South Dakota State University in Brookings.

In 1968, Larry married Nancy Weston, and together they raised three children. Throughout his life, Larry took on various roles, including working for the City of Fremont, CA, farming in North Dakota, and positions at Merriweather Vet, Hand County Implement, Wheat Growers, and most recently, for Andrew Canham at M.D.V.M.

Larry had a passion for engines, cars, and speed. In his younger days, he raced at Central Speedway, and later, a highlight of his life was driving on NASCAR tracks in Charlotte, NC, Atlanta, GA, and Las Vegas, NV through the Richard Petty Driving Experience. He remained a devoted NASCAR fan throughout his life. He was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church. Larry took great pride in his family, frequently sharing stories and celebrating their accomplishments with anyone who would listen. Known for his many talents, he was able to fix nearly anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

He will be sorely missed by his wife, Nancy of St. Lawrence; one sister, Jeanette Campbell of Clarkston, WA; one son, David (Carol) Ames of Pierre, daughters, Amanda Ames of Pierre, and Juli (Ron) Hoftiezer of Miller; two grandsons; three granddaughters; three great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Jim Baysinger of Forestburg.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Wes and Myrtle Ames; brother, Jim (Margueritha) Ames; sister, Delores (Marvin) Nielsen; brother-in-law, Milton Campbell; and adopted brother, Chester Seeley.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Larry’s arrangements.

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