J. Ralph Kuykendall, 93, of Spearfish, died Friday, August 29, 2008, at Spearfish Regional Hospital.

Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M., Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at the funeral home with Reverend Stan Angle and Reverend Marlyne Cain officiating, burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery near Deadwood.

A memorial has been established to benefit the Spearfish Canyon Society for Land and Water Conservation. Condolences may be sent to the family at 921 Spartan Drive, Spearfish, SD 57783.

He was born November 16, 1914, in Deadwood to Frank and Sarah (Tibbits) Kuykendall. He was married to Wilma Holtry on July 26, 1931, in Vale, South Dakota. A life-long resident of the Black Hills, he and Wilma lived in Deadwood until 1969 when they moved to Spearfish. He was a printer and worked for the Deadwood Pioneer Times, the Lead Daily Call, and the Queen City Mail until he retired from printing. Later, he worked in facility maintenance at West Elementary School in Spearfish. He greatly enjoyed the teachers and children, and he remained connected to the school as a crossing guard for many years.

He loved the Black Hills, gardening, sports, church activities, family, and friends. He was an avid outdoorsman, passionate about the beauty and history of the Hills. From childhood, he hiked, hunted, and fished in the Hills. He took special pride in raising roses. Friends and neighbors knew him for his humor, friendliness, and kindness. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Deadwood.

Survivors include his wife Wilma, daughter Marlyne Cain, son-in-law David Cain, and granddaughters Sarah Naylor (Eddie) and Kristin Geary (Seamus).

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com