Ella Dean

Ella “JoAn” Dean of Oral, S.D., cherished as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister and friend, passed away peacefully March 11, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by her loving family.
Her story began in Hot Springs, S.D., on her family’s homestead along Argyle Road May 7, 1941. As a child, JoAn and her siblings worked together on the family homestead, discovering that true love isn’t found in material things but in an unbreakable bond that lasts forever. 
On Dec. 28, 1957, JoAn married Everett M. Dean, and together they welcomed five children. They were joined in union for 63 years until the passing of Everett in 2020. The deep and lasting love JoAn gave to her family formed the cornerstone of both her life and her legacy.
JoAn’s life was filled with many adventures including camping in various locations across the west and living for a time in California with her young family spending countless hours by the ocean, a place she loved making memories that her children will never forget.
From California the family moved to Idaho where they lived for several years before returning to South Dakota. One of JoAn’s greatest highlights was her first and only plane ride to Atlanta, Ga., where she walked high atop Stone Mountain with her daughter Ruthie and granddaughter Rachelle, creating cherished memories together.
In the early years of living in South Dakota Everett and JoAn operated a small sawmill where she labored tirelessly all while taking care of her family. After the sawmill was sold, JoAn and Everett moved to the southern hills of South Dakota, where she lived until her passing.
JoAn was admired for her heartfelt devotion to her family, her sharp wit paired with a strong will, and her unwavering commitment to hard work. She faced every obstacle with determination and laughter, motivating those around her to never give up even when the road ahead seemed impossible. 
JoAn dedicated many years to working as a construction flagger, laboring tirelessly until the age of 75. Her steadfast reliability, unwavering integrity and fun, loving spirit earned the admiration of all who had the privilege of knowing her, qualities which she graciously instilled in everyone around her.
 JoAn is survived by her children, Everett (Kim) Dean of Newcastle, Wyo., Sandy (Jeff) Shuck of Newcastle, Ruthie (Wiener) Frasier of Keystone, S.D., and Lisa (Russ) Frasier of Oral; sister, Wilma (Chuck) Goodsell of Pringle, S.D.; brother, Bill (Joanne) Pond of Rapid City, S.D.; 14 grandchildren; 25 great- grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
JoAn was predeceased by her parents; husband, Everett; son, David; great- grandchild, Haven Frasier; sisters, Ruth Britton, Cookie Whitney and Ruby Rothluetner; and brothers, Eldon, Olie, Lyle, and Albert Pond.
Graveside services will be held at the Pringle Cemetery May 2 at 3 p.m.
JoAn’s presence will be profoundly missed each and every day, and her memory will live on in our hearts forever.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs.