Thuria Maria Samara, 32, was born on Good Friday, April 20, 1984, in Mitchell, SD, to Mohammed Samara and Donna Hafner on a slightly rainy day – the kind of day Thuria liked. Thuria was named after the stars, and in her short time on earth, she certainly shone bright.

Thuria attended school in Custer, where she was known for her laugh, smile, kindness, compassion, leadership, and hard work. There were few activities in which Thuria did not participate, and she was active in student government, band, choir, sports, and numerous plays. She excelled at track and was part of the only boys cheerleading squad to win the Spirit of Six Award, and spirit was something Thuria definitely had. She was known for her dress-up day outfits during homecoming – nothing was too outrageous and people always looked forward to what she'd wear next.

Thuria graduated from Custer High School in 2002, near the top of her class. She received numerous scholarships and attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, where she was once again known for her laugh and smile, and made many friends. She graduated with honors in 2006. Immediately after graduating, she worked for the CWTV in Sioux Falls before moving on to other jobs. Most recently, Thuria worked for Edible Arrangements and the Cornerstone Rescue Mission in Rapid City, SD.

Thuria had many talents and passions, including cooking, art, music, travel, and any holiday. Through these activities, she made many people happy. Unfortunately, she struggled to find happiness for herself and suffered from alcohol dependence. Throughout her battle with this disease, she remained our star. Sadly, Thuria passed away on Good Friday, April 14, 2017, in Rapid City, SD, just as she was beginning to find her path home.

She is survived by her father, Mohammed Samara and family in Jordan; mother, Donna Hafner of Custer; "big little brother" Steven Hafner of Washington, DC; aunts, Rosemarie Hafner of Mitchell, SD; Marlene (Don) Barrow of Mitchell, SD; Mary Ann Hafner of Mitchell, SD; Norma (Allen) Jenks of Mitchell, SD; uncles, Paul (Jean) Hafner of North East, MD; Joe Hafner; special friend, Mona Sinkey of Parkston, SD; and numerous cousins.

Thuria was preceded in death by her grandpa and grandma, Paul and Maria Hafner; uncle, Stephen, of Parkston, SD; and cousin, Stacy Saunders of North East, MD.

Wake services will be held 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 21, 2017, at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer.

Mass of Resurrection will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 22, 2017, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer with Fr. Grant Gerlach and Deacon Pat Coy as celebrants.

Committal service will be held April 24 at 3pm CDT at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Parkston, SD.

Memorial gifts will be donated to the Corner Stone Rescue Mission and The HOPE Center in Rapid City, SD. Written condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 132, Custer, SD 57730.