We pause to celebrate the long and wonderful life of Jean Cope Craft as she joins her family beside the heavenly Father. Jean (Phyllis Jean) was the 2nd child born to Henry and Phyllis Kienitz in their Smithwick SD home, on March 12,1932 and passed peacefully April 10, 2026.

Jean’s life was intrinsically linked to the St John’s Lutheran Church in Smithwick/Hot Springs with baptism in 1932, confirmation into membership 1944, marriage to Willy (Wilbert V) Cope September 12, 1950, baptism of her 4 children and a 2nd marriage to Buster (Franklin) Craft in 2012. Jean remained an active member of the congregation for all her 94 years.

Jean and Willy moved to a ranch on Sand Creek near Smithwick upon marriage and remained until retiring to Hot Springs in 2000. Starting with little more than love, determination, an FHA loan and a few cows they built a family and life. Children followed: Jim 1951, Marjorie 1952, Jerry 1957 and Marilyn 1963. They milked cows, sold cream shipped in cans to a creamery in Minnesota, raised chickens, sold eggs, sold apples, tried and quit sheep, slowly built the cow herd, worked for the neighbors and the railroad in the lean times, added land holdings, finally adding indoor plumbing in 1958, update remodel in 1968 all while raising 4 children. There are so many parts to tell of Mom’s ever busy life. The thousands of fryer chickens, dozens of eggs delivered weekly, abundant tomato garden, lovingly tended flower beds, her expert meringue pies, teaching “Mom” kindergarten, avid facilitator of 4-H projects, farmhand, cowhand all in addition to her considerable homemaker skills. There was always coffee made or brewing, snacks to share and conversation to welcome all who dropped by. Joys were many: community dances, card parties, family gatherings, school activities and church functions highlighted the early years. Later years saw Willy and Jean involved with 4-H project judging, statewide agriculture boards and building friendships throughout South Dakota.

The family grew as the children married and Mom’s greatest talent was on display as she greeted 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren to love, nurture and build lasting relationships with. She will be greatly missed.

There were challenges later in life as Willy developed debilitating rheumatoid arthritis, leaving Jean as primary caregiver for many years. Willy passed in 2007 after 57 years of marriage. However, a spark rekindled when she united in marriage to a high school classmate, Buster Craft, thus adding 2 stepchildren, spouses and 5 more grandchildren in 2012. Sadly, Buster passed in 2018.

Jean is survived by son Jim (Jan), grandsons Mike (Amy), Torrey (Laith); daughter Marjorie (Randy), grandsons Aaron (Aubrey), Kyle (Claire): son Jerry (deceased) (Lori), granddaughters Zoe (John), Leslie (Christian), Audrey (Jordan); daughter Marilyn (Greg), granddaughters Allison (Tommy), Elizabeth (Robert), Kathryn (Aaron): Great grandchildren Morgan, Jacob, Sarah, Eloise, Anna, Joseph, Emma. Sarah, Nora, Rosalie, Lillian and Helen. Also is survived by brother Ted (Mary), sister Delores (Dennis), stepson Gary (Stacy) and stepdaughter Berlyn.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents, brother Victor, sisters Elaine and Janice, husband Willy, husband Buster and son Jerry.

She is and was loved by many. She will be missed.

Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Hot Springs, followed by committal service at Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs. A time of fellowship will be held immediately after committal service, at St. John's Lutheran Church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest that memorial contributions be made to St John’s Lutheran Church at 13275 Fall River Rd, Hot Springs SD 57747.