Rikki Rae Claymore, 57, of Aberdeen, passed away Saturday, October 5, 2024, at her home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. MDT, Monday, October 14, 2024, at All Saints Catholic Church, Eagle Butte. Burial will follow at Mossman Cemetery, Ridgeview. Visitation will be one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Rikki Rae Claymore was born August 27, 1967, in Eagle Butte, South Dakota to Grady Claymore and the late Donna Rae.

Rikki spent most of her life in Aberdeen, South Dakota where she was raised by her father, Grady Claymore, and dear mother, Robyn Claymore. She graduated from Roncalli High School in 1986, and after high school she embarked on a journey to Boston, Massachusetts, to experience life as a nanny. Rikki later attended the University of North Dakota to pursue a degree in accounting.

In 1987, Rikki moved back home from college to be closer to her parents and to raise her first baby boy, Kellen Grady Claymore, who blessed her life on December 10, 1987.  On March 17, 1989, she welcomed her St. Patrick’s Day baby and lucky charm, Tyler “Thom” Claymore. On August 13, 1990, she welcomed her beautiful baby girl, Kortnee Kristyn, with the prettiest blue eyes and a true Mini-Me to Rikki. On May 7, 1993, the cutest little blondie, Britnee Robyn-Donna was born and completed her beautiful family.

Rikki worked for Indian Health Service as a purchasing agent and a supply clerk for several years, where she met many lifelong friends who became family and loved her kids like their own. She also worked for Tiospaye Zina School and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

While being a mom was everything to her, Rikki found great pride in being “Gaga” to her sidekick and granddaughter, Caylee June Claymore, and her sweet grandson, Benjamin. She called Caylee her “Grand-Dolly” and Benjamin her “Benja.” It’s safe to say she loved nothing more than spoiling these two with whatever they wanted. Even in the hardest times, these two brought so much sunshine to Rikki’s life and gave her a reason to keep pushing forward.

Anyone who knew Rikki knew she had a special bond with racehorses and her racetrack family. Being at the track with her Bay horse, Miss Lissie Belle, was her favorite of all. Rikki truly believed that if Miss Lissie wore her hot pink leg wraps, she would surely come into the winning circle. Rikki lived for her time at the Brown County Fairgrounds racetrack every summer. She could spend hours before and after the races brushing and smelling horses and reminiscing with all her friends and Cheyenne River family. It wasn’t uncommon for Rikki to also find a way to take special trips to famous racetracks, including the Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota, and the Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg, Canada. She is surely enjoying the races in the skies of heaven with her favorite horses picked, a cold beverage, and a winning ticket in hand!

Rikki leaves behind her life partner, Rob Carlson; her oldest son, Kellen Grady Claymore (Rebecca Claymore) of Rapid City, SD; daughter, Britnee Claymore of Aberdeen, SD; granddaughter, Caylee June Claymore; grandson, Benjamin Claymore-Wacholz of Aberdeen, SD; father, Grady Claymore; mom, Robyn Claymore of Eagle Butte, SD; brothers: Brad  Claymore of Aberdeen, SD and Jay’de Claymore of Denver, Colorado; and many friends and family who loved her dearly.

Rikki died of a broken heart and is now at peace as she joins the Spirit World with her youngest son, Tyler; oldest daughter, Kortnee; brother, Bryce; Uncle JD; beautiful mother, Donna Rae; grandparents: Leonard and Sybil Claymore, Chuck and Katie Hiett; and many other relatives and friends.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Rikki’s arrangements.

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