William "Bill" Ryther, 78, of St. Onge, SD, passed away March 6, 2012 at Fort Meade VA Hospice. He displayed amazing strength and dignity in his struggle with cancer.

Bill was born September 25, 1933 to Felix and Avis (Kinghorn) Ryther, who homesteaded in the St. Onge Valley and raised seven children in a two-room cabin. Bill rode a horse to country school and attended high school in Belle Fourche. After serving in the Marine Corp in the 1950's, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Black Hills State College and taught high school math and physics.

Bill married Betty Weaver in 1958 and to this union three children were born. In 1978, Bill married Fern Berglund and became part of her and the children's lives.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, telling stories, gardening and was known to "cut a rug" on the dance floor. Most of all, he loved the time with his grandchildren on both sides of the family. He and Fern were dedicated to their family, their home and their church.

He is survived by his children; Angie Ryther-Anderson, Spearfish; Sam H. (Beckie) Ryther, Shawnee, CO; Todd (Zelda) Ryther, Newcastle, WY; John (Janice) Berglund, St. Onge; Arlis (Wayne) Lewis, Rapid City; Donna (John) Thornhill, Henderson, NV; eleven grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; brother, Bob (Marva) Ryther, Belle Fourche; sisters, Velma (Elwin) Becker, Pierre; Grace (Rodney) McElroy, Portland, OR; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Ryther, Lead, Jean Ryther, Waco, TX; and many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Fern; parents; sister, Florence Mauch; brothers, Donald Ryther and Carl Ryther.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 P.M., Friday, March 9 at the Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel, Spearfish. Funeral services will be at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at the United Church of Christ, St. Onge. A memorial has been established for the United Church of Christ.