Denise L. 'Dede' Kitchen, age 66, of Custer, SD, passed away March 7, 2013, at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.

Dede was born May 24, 1946, in Winner, SD, to Charles and Joy (Collins) Dillon. She was raised in Winner and graduated from Custer High School in 1964, she also attended Black Hills State College and Greens Beauty School.

On April 23, 1967, she married Jack Kitchen. In 1971, she began her 24 year career with the Custer County School System at the Pringle Country School. She worked with special needs children for 21 years. She was an avid quilter, crafter, gardener and seamstress, known for her wonderful smile, sense of humor and loving care of many children she held dear,

Dede was a member and supporter of Custer Community Church for 58 years. She was a member of the Council of Job's Daughters, Young Homemakers Extension Club, Stitches in Faith Quilt Club and Board of Christian Education at Custer Community Church. She was known locally for her beautiful quilts and cakes.

Survivors include her husband, Jack Kitchen; mother, Joy Dillon; brother, Patrick (Susan) Dillon; sister, Wanda (Butch) Morgan, all of Custer; twelve nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and great nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2013, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2013, at Custer Community Church in Custer with Pastor Bill Comfort officiating. Interment will follow at the Custer Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in Dede's name for her family.

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