Ethel M. Hall Buntrock, 101 of Spearfish, passed on to her heavenly home, May 7, 2011. Ethel was born on August 20, 1909, in Chamberlain SD to Curtis and Mary (Wedmore) Jacobs.

A Loving tribute to our mother, grandmother,
sister, and friend Ethel Buntrock.
We celebrate your journey into Everlasting Life!
Ethel's story written by her daughter, Joan

101 years ago, Ethel was just a tiny child traveling in a covered wagon with her parents heading West to file a homestead claim in the area, which is now the little town of Cottonwood SD.

My mother grew into the most beautiful young woman. She and my father, Dan Hall were married in 1928 in Pierre, SD and moved to a farm/ranch between Keystone and Hill City. It was in this glorious setting that one of mother's most exciting and happy memories were created. Mother and Dad played a small role in the carving of our National Monument, Mount Rushmore. Because of their stringent cleanliness in the milking process, my parent's milk was accepted for use in cooking and drinks for the workers and staff. How I loved jumping into that old truck and taking our daily trip up to the mountain with milk, cream, butter and vegetables. Beautiful memories that mom and I have shared often.

They later lived in Spearfish, Custer, and Rapid City. Ethel was a member of the Rapid City South Park United Church of Christ.

After Dad's death, mother married Pete Buntrock. They spent several happy years in Arizona. Ethel lived in Spearfish to be near her daughter and son-in-law the last 15 years of life.

Mother's lifelong strength and courage surviving hardships and severe times exemplify the very spirit of a South Dakota Pioneer.

Ethel's talents were many...artist, businesswoman, organizer of church rummage sales and dinners, seamstress, quilter, gardener, baker extraordinaire, and loving friend and caregiver to anyone in need. With Ethel, nothing was ever wasted...nothing was ever tossed aside... including the hearts and souls of others. Everyone who knew her loved her.

Because Ethel was the matriarch of the family, kind and caring in every way, she was also loved by a legion of nieces and nephews.

Ethel spent her last two years at David M. Dorsett Healthcare Center. A million thanks would not be enough to show our gratitude to that unbelievable staff that nurtured both of us with loving kindness.

My amazing mother~~you were a precious gift from God and blessed our lives forever. Your steadfast faithfulness to meet every difficulty with a prayer, a smile, and a fierce determination to conquer every challenge with grace~~to love God and serve others with caring and kindness are living lessons you bequeathed to us. We are so grateful for your leading by example, an eternal faith in God and loving and caring for your family with your whole heart and soul. Your grandchildren were absolutely precious in your sight! Thank you for this incredible gift of love. You have set the standard very high for the rest of us to follow.

Mom, I loved you with all my heart~~I loved you as a mother~~and I loved you so very much as I tried to return the gift and blessing to be a mother to you in your last precious years. Those were such God filled years and I celebrate with joy we were able to share them together.

You are no longer lonely, nor sick, nor fragile nor frail~~you fly on eagle wings and run like a deer in the spring. I know you will be at heaven's gate to welcome us all home. I can almost smell the apple pie now.

Praises to God for the gift of your Beautiful Life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Dan Hall and Peter Buntrock, siblings Bud Jacobs and Dorothy Franz and infant daughter Shirley Ann in 1937.

Ethel was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her daughter and son-in-law Joan (Lyle) Bockwoldt, Spearfish; grandchildren Nancy (August) Bakeberg, Dr. James (Jeannine) Bockwoldt, Rapid City; great grandchildren Brian Larson, AZ, Andy Bakeberg, Brandon and April Bakeberg, Aric Bakeberg, Bethany and Nicole Bockwoldt, Rapid City; great-great grandchildren Alyssa Larson and Dyllon, Devon, and Darik Bakeberg, Rapid City and Natalie and Abby Larson, Chandler AZ and her brother Ted (Olive) Jacobs, Rapid City and their children.

Services to be at a later date at the United Methodist Church with Pastor Dar Berkenpas officiating.

In honor of Ethel's lifelong love of animals and concern for their care and safety, we are suggesting in lieu of cards and flowers a donation be made in her memory to the
Spirit of the Hills Animal Shelter, Spearfish.