Lois Louise Geise Test (age 94) passed away September 7, 2007 at Rose Haven near Custer, SD.

Lois was born March 7, 1913, in Virgil, SD. The family moved to Clark, SD when she was 3 months old, and within 4 years she had a younger sister and brother. Lois graduated from high school in Clark and then received a degree at Mitchell Business College. While working at a doctor's office in Mitchell, she met and married her husband, Lawrence M. (Bud) Test in 1935. They operated the Mapleton Dairy Farm and had 3 daughters. In 1949 they moved to Custer and managed a ranch for Senator Case until 1952, when they purchased the Medicine Mountain Ranch north of Custer, which they sold 4 years later.

Lois worked at the Pacer Feldspar Plant and the Black Hills Electric Coop as a receptionist, cashier and bookkeeper until they left Custer in 1963. They returned to cattle breeding and spent 20 years at Clark before moving back to Custer in 1983.

Lois was an active member of the women's P.E.O. group in both Clark and Custer, was involved in both the parade and pageant for Gold Discovery Days, and served as church treasurer for the Clark United Methodist Church and Pringle United Methodist Church for several years. Lois and Bud Test were Gold Discovery Days Parade Marshals in 1986. Lois was also a 4-H leader for many years. She enjoyed her flowers, sewing, painting, card games with friends, and being with the family. Lois was well known for her cooking and baking, which she enjoyed and shared with family and friends.

All those who came into her presence felt her patient acceptance and unconditional love. Her grandchildren, some who visited her for extended periods, loved being with her. Other people's grandchildren felt the same. Lois was a truly humble person devoted to God, appreciated the "good" in everyone and was always grateful and non-complaining. She lived happily the last 8 years of her life at Hartman's Rose Haven.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents Oscar and Edna Geise, her husband Bud Test, and her brother Elwin Geise. She is survived by her sister, Genevieve Benson (Max), Clark; her three daughters, Marilyn Spear (Frank), Ijamsville, MD; Barbara Riggs Test, Denver, CO and Custer; Rose Marie Groth Saville (Ron), Logan, UT; her five grandchildren, Sean Riggs, Hollywood, CA; Nova Spear, Frederick, MD; Mary Spear Prentice (Scott), Tallahassee, FL; Troy Groth (Cara), Nampa, ID; and Jackie Groth, Vancouver, WA; her seven great-grandchildren, Alaina Riggs; Joshua, Paul, Caleb and Michelle Prentice; Lauren and Slater Groth; and special "adopted" family, Charlene and Ted Hartman of Custer.

Visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 10, 2007 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer.

Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at the Custer Community Church in Custer with Pastor Martin Nussbaum and Pastor Bill Savery officiating. Interment will follow at the Custer Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in Lois' name to benefit the Pringle United Methodist Church, the Custer Community Church or the Gideons.

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.