Avis Libby Hespen, age 77, of Custer, SD, died at her home October 16, 2006.

She was the daughter of Fred and Grace Libby, born January 3, 1929 in Chadron, Nebraska. The family moved to Custer in 1938 where she attended school and graduated as valedictorian in the class of 1946.

Avis moved to Great Falls, Montana and graduated from Montana Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in 1950 with a BS in Nursing. On December 8, 1950 she was married to Raymond J. Hespen. Since Raymond was in the Air Force, the couple moved many times. They lived in Idaho, Maryland, Hawaii, Texas, Montana, South Dakota, and California until 1964 when they moved to Custer to stay.

Avis worked at the Custer Hospital for 12 years as a nurse and director of nursing. She also worked at the South Dakota Developmental Center for 18 years as director of nursing. She retired in 1994. Those who knew her loved her ready wit and humor. She was a hard worker and loved nursing. She was a rock hound, a Master Gardner, and a collector of antiques but her family was the most important thing in her life.

She is survived by six children, Suzanne White of Vassalboro, ME; Mary (Erik) Swanson of Custer, SD; John (Joanne) Hespen of Gillette, WY; Phil (Barb) Hespen of Custer, SD; Matt Hespen and Kathy Koester of Custer, SD; Grace Busskohl of Rapid City, SD; 16 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; sister, Caroline Hatton of Custer, SD; brother, Fred Libby of Corydon, IN; numerous cousins and many friends.

Interment will be in the Pringle Cemetery. Funeral services will be announced at a later time.

A memorial has been established in Avis's name to benefit the Black Hills Workshop.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer, SD. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.