Leola Mae Halverson was born September 14, 1926 at her parents home near Bonesteel, South Dakota to Gustav and Wilhelmine (Dummer) Witt. She was called to her heavenly home on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at the age of 86 years.

Leola attended country school just 3/4 of a mile north of the home place for seven years. She then attended school in Bonesteel, graduating from high school in 1944. She attended Southern State Teachers College and earned a teaching degree. She taught school for one year.

On August 2, 1945, she married Leonard Hoar and to this union seven children were born. She spent much of her life in Bonesteel, where she and Leonard owned and operated a repair shop and trucking business. Leonard passed away December 2, 1982. Leola then worked in the school cafeteria in Bonesteel and also in Mitchell for a short time.

On November 6, 1985 Leola married Leland Halverson. They enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends. They retired to Bonesteel and lived there until their health began to fail. At that time they moved to Mitchell. Leland passed away on September 21, 2008. Leola then moved to an assisted living and later to the Avera-Brady Care Center in Mitchell until her death.

Leola's faith and her family were the most important things in her life. She was unselfish in her love for her kids and grandkids. She also loved jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, watching Wheel of Fortune and Twins baseball games.

Grateful for having shared her life are her sons: Jim (Betty) of Murdo, SD; Tom (Denise) Scott of Columbia, MO; Paul (Nancy) of Battle Creek, NE; and Jeff (Becky) of Cheyenne, WY; her daughters: Janice (Benny) Baker of Fairfax, SD; Marilyn (Fred) Bailey of Mitchell, SD; and Judy (Tim) Elshere of Milesville, SD; her sisters-in-law: Luella Witt of Fargo, ND; Dorothy Pistulka and Theon Hoar of Fairfax, SD; 18 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Leola was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands; six brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Bonesteel. Burial will be in the Rosebud Cemetery, Bonesteel. There will be a prayer service on Tuesday at 7:00 PM at the Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to both service at the church.