Karen Jean Rittberger

Karen Rittberger, 67, of Buffalo Gap, SD, passed away December 19, 2024. Karen was born July 15th, 1957, to Myron and Deloris (Hettich) Lehr, in Roscoe, SD. Karen always referred to herself as a "Prairie Queen" and in 1976, Karen moved out east of Buffalo Gap on a ranch that she and her dad purchased. Karen loved being outdoors, whether it was riding horses, haying, branding calves or just working around the ranch. It wasn't uncommon to pull into her driveway and watch her walk across the corrals with 2 or 3 bottle calves trotting after her.

Karen never shied away from hard work. She was always kind and willing to lend a helping hand to those who needed it. She loved entertaining family and friends, always making sure someone had something to eat ranging anywhere from her famous 7-layer salad or her delicious cheesy bread. She always said, "If you leave my house hungry, it's your own fault".

During her later years, she crossed paths with Jerry Dugan. This relationship grew and they both found the love of their life in one another. They did everything together, ranging from putting up hay, working cattle and cruising the streets of Deadwood looking at classic cars during Cool Deadwood Nights, which they never missed.

Karen is survived by her mother, Deloris Lehr, brother Carey "Sharon" Lehr, grandsons, Trevor Frybarger;  Blake "Mara" Frybarger. godson, Kyle Gregerson, two nieces and a nephew.

She is preceded in death by her father, Myron "Pat" Lehr and the love of her life, Jerry Dugan.

She will be greatly missed by all of us that had the privilege of knowing her and spending time with her.  She is in a better place now and once again, with Jerry, the love of her life!

Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m., Monday, December 30, 2024, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.  Committal service will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 30, 2024, at Cold Springs Cemetery near Pringle, SD.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.