Lora Mae Michael, age 64, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away January 1, 2017, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City, SD.

Lora was born September 2, 1952, at the Seven Sisters Hospital in Hot Springs to John William and Vivian Marie (Saxton) Michael, and raised in Fall River County, SD. She graduated from the Hot Springs High School in 1970, and then attended National College of Business in Rapid City for two years. Lora worked for Sprint in San Francisco for 8 years as a Corporate Librarian, also worked part-time at the Backdoor Steakhouse in the San Francisco Airport. She was a major San Francisco 49'ers fan and San Francisco Giants Fan. During her high school years Lora worked part-time at Farren's Gas Station (where Norton's 66 is located now), and Char Chief as a waitress (where China Buffet is now located), was a seasonal secretary at Angostura Recreation Area in the early 90's, helped build Cottonwood Dam right after high school graduation as a Flagger for the summer. Lora was owner and manager of Vivian Mobile Home Court since 1996. Lora worked part time in the Register of Deeds Office, as a Deputy, at the Fall River County Court House in Hot Springs, for nearly 24 years.

Lora successfully owned and operated The Mutt House since October 1991, accepting all breeds of cats and dogs to groom and board, until her health problems began in early 2016. In September 2012, Lora along with Cheryl Fair and Delores Aul, started Cats Meow Feline Rescue, a no kill rescue center for cats, which she managed. Cats and kittens were available for adoption through Pet Finders and Facebook. They spayed and neutered 525 cats and 296 cats were adopted through November 30, 2016, when the rescue center was ended after Lora's illness.

Lora married Steve Papendick September 9, 2016, however, they first exchanged vows on September 09, 2009.

Lora enjoyed life, and could look back on her life with no regrets! Riding motorcycles in the Black Hills, going to numerous theater productions in the area, and she truly had a great passion for all animals, especially dogs and cats.

She is survived by her husband, Steven Papendick of Hot Springs, SD and brother, Lacy (Theresa) Michael of Gillette, WY.; mother-in-law, Joyce Papendick of Rapid City, SD; brothers-in-law, Dennis Papendick of Hot Springs, Randy (Linda) Papendick of Rapid City; sister-in-law, Eileen (Tom) Armstrong of Omaha, NE;

Lora is preceded in death by her parents, Vivian (1986) and John (1995); and her sister, Linda Patton (2010).

Per her request no services will be held.

A memorial has been established in Lora's name to benefit Best Friends, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 87741-5000.