Keith Jewitt, 88, passed away August 25, 2010 in the VA La Jolla Hospital in California with complications of a prolonged struggle with congestive heart failure.

Inurnment services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, September 10, 2010 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 P.M. at the Mathew's Opera House in Spearfish. In lieu of flowers, the Keith Jewitt Memorial Scholorship Fund has been established at Black Hills State University.

Keith was born on December 19, 1921 to Alta "A.T." and Verna (Frost) Jewitt in Vivian, SD. His family later moved to the Black Hills, where he graduated from Rapid City High School. After attending the School of Mines he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. Following the war he attended Black Hills State Teachers College graduating in 1949. While attending school he met Bonnie Grace Zeimet and they were married in 1949. To this union two sons were born, Thomas Lee on September 11, 1951 and Steven Paul on June 15, 1955. He continued his education and received his Masters of Education in 1955 from the University of Nebraska and his Doctorate of Education in 1963 from the University of Wyoming. He was a Professor at Black Hills State University from 1955 until 1985 when he retired. While at BHSU he served on many committees and was the Dean of Academic Affairs for a number of years. Keith and his deceased wife, Bonnie, participated with the Lakota Oyate Wacipi Reservation at Pine Ridge and helped establish a college there. Keith and Bonnie were presented with an award of recognition by the Lakota Oyate Wacipi's in 1984. He was a member of the Lions Club and other civic organizations. Following the death of Bonnie Grace he married Naomi Wedderin and they made their home in CA.

Survivors include his loving wife Naomi of Temecula, CA; sons Steven Jewitt of Woodinville, WA and Thomas (Mavis) Jewitt of Spearfish; 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Bonnie Grace, parents and 2 sisters.

Keith will always be remembered lovingly by his wife, Naomi, his and her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends as a dignified and humble man and best friend.

Though God has you in his keeping we always have you in our hearts, remembering you on this day and are comforted by so many memories. We love and miss you.

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.