PIERRE, SD – Carmen Heyd, 91, of Pierre, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025.
Services will be held at a later date.
Carmen Heyd, a beacon of love and joy, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, in Pierre, South Dakota. Born on August 29, 1934, in Glover, North Dakota, she was the cherished daughter of Theodore and Myrtle (Barton) Hample. Carmen’s early years were spent in the nurturing embrace of a rural community where she attended a one-room country school. Her education continued at La Moure High School, from which she graduated in 1952. Shortly thereafter, she embarked on her professional journey with the La Moure County Register of Deeds office.
Carmen’s heart found its match when she married Darwin W. Heyd on January 10, 1953. Their love blossomed into a beautiful family with the birth of their three children: Darrick Kim, Jodi, and Dana. The family’s adventures took them from Washington D.C. to Puerto Rico during Darwin’s tenure in the Navy. In 1956, they laid down roots in Pierre, South Dakota, where Darwin began his career with the USGS, and Carmen, a devoted stay-at-home mother, nurtured their growing family.
Once her children were school-aged, Carmen returned to the workforce, initially working evenings at St. Mary’s Hospital. Her dedication and work ethic led her to Hughes County, where she provided 20 years of invaluable service in the Director of Equalization office, eventually retiring in 1996. Carmen’s professional contributions were matched only by her commitment to her community. She was an active member of the Lutheran Memorial Church, Hospital Auxiliary, and VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
An avid walker, Carmen found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a passion for dance and reveled in the sounds of big band music. Alongside her beloved Darwin, she was a longtime member of the Ballroom Swisher Dance Club, where they danced for over three decades. Her family, including her wonderful husband, children, and grandchildren, were the cornerstone of her life.
Carmen’s legacy of love and warmth lives on through her family. She is survived by her daughter Jodi Barth, son Dana (Stephanie) Heyd, daughter-in-law May Heyd of Pierre, and her adored grandchildren Aaron, Trent (Brandi), Lance, Chelsea (Leif), Alyssa, and Katie (Zach), her great-grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply, her sister-in-law Carmel Heyd and brother-in-law Darwyn Worrell, along with many nieces and nephews, will hold her memory dear. Carmen was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Darwin, her son Darrick Kim, son-in-law Kirk Barth, brother-in-law Ronald Heyd, her in-laws, parents and all eight brothers and sisters.
