Obituary: Lana Faye Sanftner

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In memory of

Lana Faye Sanftner

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Sunday, August 26, 2012 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City at the age of 47

Lana Faye Jones was born on August 11, 1965, in Kadoka, South Dakota, the daughter of Tom and Mary (Stotts) Jones. Lana attended school at Midland, graduating in 1983. She lived in Hico, Texas and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where she lived with her brother Tommy. While in Florida, she earned a degree in music and voice. She moved to Kadoka, in 1991 where she was employed at different businesses. She was also an Avon consultant.

Lana married Tim Sanftner in 2002. To this union a daughter, Tejai Rae, was born on August 10, 2004.

Lana always wanted to travel to the tropics. In May she got that opportunity, going to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic with her niece Marinda. We heard several "funny" stories of their adventure. Anyone who was with Lana always had a "funny" story to tell.

Lana was a joy to be with, a very loving and giving person. And we will never forget her beautiful singing voice. Lana will also be remembered for her infectious laugh and her smile for everyone.

Survivors include her daughter Tejai Sanftner of Kadoka; her son Ryder Sanftner of Kadoka; two brothers Thomas Rex Jones of Midland, and Jesse Paul Jones and his wife Karen of Hico, Texas; two sisters Mary Jo Jones of Midland, and Jane Adeline Romero of Kadoka; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Lana was preceded in death by her father Tom Jones on January 11, 2003, and her mother Mary Jones on September 9, 2007.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m.Thursday, August 30, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

A celebration of life service was held 11:00 a.m. MDT Friday, August 31, at the Midland School Auditorium.

Private family interment took place at the Midland Cemetery.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE
Friday, August 31, 2012 - 11:00 a.m.
Midland School Gymnasium
Midland, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Andy Blye

PALLBEARERS
Landon Flom - Manny Romero
Francis Romero - Preston Jones
Scott Jones - Barry Jones
Raymond Stotts - Scott Walker

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota

Visitation: 5-7 p.m.Thursday, August 30, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
A celebration of life service: 11:00 a.m. MDT Friday, August 31, at the Midland School Auditorium.
Private family interment: Midland Cemetery.

Sign the guestbook

Lana's family, I am so sorry to hear about Lana. She was such a wonderful woman with an awesome voice. She will be truly missed by all that knew here. You are all in my thoughts and prayers as you endure the difficult days ahead. ~ Ellie Bettelyoun Lander, Wyoming (8/26/2012)
To the family of Lana Sanftner, I am so very sorry to hear about Lana's passing. She went to school with my brother Barry, and I got to know her pretty well growing up in a small town like Midland. Lana, her friend Nancy, and my 2 sisters Michelle, and Lisa were very good friends, always laughing and having a good time. Lana was a very kind person, and what I remember best about her was her voice. What a wonderful singer she was. May God be with you all during this difficult time in your lives, and be comforted that Lana is now with her parents and friends and singing with the angels. ~ Shari Estep 9212 Edwardson Ln. Austin, Tx. 78749 (8/26/2012)
So sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. ~ Eileen Stolley Kadoka (8/26/2012)
To Lana Jones family, we were so sorry to hear that Lana passed away. May it comfort you to know, that we share your sorrow. Our thoughts are with you. ~ April Neuhauser PO Box 1144 Ft. Pierre, SD 57532 (8/26/2012)
So sorry to hear about Lana's death. She was a wonderful person.
~ Suzanne Hoon Kadoka, SD (8/26/2012)
Mary Jo, Tommy, Jess & Jane,
I am remembering Lana and all of you in my prayers as you go through these difficult times. Pull together and think of the good times and you will be okay. Lana was a blessing to so many and will be missed. ~ Pat Snook Midland (8/26/2012)
We were so sorry to hear about Lana. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God hold you close and comfort you during this very hard time. ~ Larry and Julie McLaughlin Midland, SD (8/26/2012)
Mary Jo, TJ, Jesse & Janie, I'm so sorry to hear of Lana's passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you & her children, may you find some comfort in her memory & that she is with your folks now. Bless you all. ~ Debbie Allard Falzone Philip, SD (8/26/2012)
Ryder, Tejai and the entire family, My heart goes out to you all. Lana was a very good person and I am proud to have known her. There isn't much anyone can say to take away the hurt you are feeling but know that God takes the special people for a reason. She will be walking beside you singing for you in everything you do. Hugs,love and prayers to you all. ~ Dixie Huber Murdo, SD (8/26/2012)
Heaven has a new singing Angel... My fondest memory of Lana... Her beautiful singing voice and her laugh. It was a laugh that I will miss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Lana's family. May God comfort you all so that your pain is comforted by good memories
~ lorraine Freeman 700 south 11th Norfolk, Nebraska 68701 (8/26/2012)
Tim, Ryder, & Tejai, we are so very sorry for your loss. I didn't get to know Lana very well but I too remember her for her smile & her laugh. Keep all the memories close to your heart & know she is with you every day!! ~ Kristina Buxcel Fredde Kansas City MO (8/26/2012)
So very sorry for your loss.. It's never easy to lose someone and that empty spot is so hard to fill but just take one day at a time and smile when you remember all the good times. Our thoughts are with you all. ~ Pam and Keith Bonenberger Kadoka (8/26/2012)
To the family, of Lana Jones I'm so sorry for the loss,we never know what God's plan is but I'm sure she is singing in the choir with the voice of an angel. I always had so much fun when ever I was with Lana & Tommy we would laugh all the time, she was so funny,& sweet. I was never with her that we didn't have a good time. God has a special place for her in heaven. You are in my thoughts & prayers .She will be missed so much, I'm so sorry for all of you.May God give you strength,and big hugs at this time. ~ Lavonne Leonard-Carlson Kingstree, SC (8/26/2012)
Mary Jo and all of Lana's family: We are so sorry to hear about Lana - she was a special lady - she's with her Mom and Dad now - up in Heaven singing with the angels. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Tom & Nancy Russell Black Hawk, SD (8/26/2012)
Such a loss. My prayers are with your family. My parents were friends of her parents, Tom and Mary. I remember Lana singing at my Dad's (Bud (Lovell) Peters) funeral in Belvidere. It was after a snowstorm and she was singing Amazing Grace in her blue jeans, sweatshirt and rubber boots. Beautiful voice. Beautiful lady. ~ Etta Evans Colmesneil, TX (8/26/2012)
To all of Lana's family--Thoughts and prayers to all of you at this time. I will miss Lana not ordering her Hawaiian pizza with extra sauce. Lana will be missed by all and of course her beautiful voice. I'll be thinking of all of you. ~ Jean Holzkamp Kadoka (8/26/2012)
Mary Jo, Tommy, Jesse, and Jane,
I will remember Lanas' beautiful smile, voice, and laughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. ~ Paula Zuccaro Wall, South Dakota (8/26/2012)
Lana was the most beautiful person i have ever known. she was always smiling and laughing and making others laugh with her. We met in Hico,Texas and became instance friends..when we went in different directions in our life, Lana would come to visit me in Brady,Tex and i would always make her sing me a song or two, now i am sure she is leading the choir in heaven with her amazing voice....I will miss my sweet beautiful,best friend deeply..Even though we had not seen each other My sympathy and prayers go out to all of her family, find comfort and understanding...this is not goodbye Lana it's until we meet again..Love You BF. ~ Karla McBee 1207 Old Mason Rd. Brady,Texas 76825 (8/26/2012)
Lana was a wonderful person and I loved to hear her sing. Her voice was something that you will never forget. I saw Lana last Friday night from a distance at the concert and even though she wasn't feeling good she still had that beautiful smile. I hope you can all hold on to your memories with her and just remember that she is now in heaven singing in the choir with a huge smile on her face!!
God Bless you all!! ~ Pam & Justin Bryan Oacoma SD (8/26/2012)
We are truly saddened by Lana's passing and are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. I had the privilege of singing with Lana once a long time ago at Karaoke, a memory I will cherish forever. She was a wonderful person. ~ Randy & Holly Nemec Midland (8/26/2012)
To all the family of Lana Sanftner, She will so be missed that laugh of hers was almost as grand as her singing voice my prayers are with you all. ~ Misti Strobel 4404 Circle Wood Dr. Rapid City 57703 (8/26/2012)
To all of Lana's family. I got to know Lana when we worked the evening shift at Kadoka Standard. We shared many of laughs and it was always a lot of fun working with Lana. She was always very friendly and had a big smile on her face. I will be thinking of all of you in the days and weeks to come. Eric ~ Eric Wilmarth Kadoka (8/26/2012)
Lana was always kind to me. I felt such a heavy sadness when I heard of her passing. We mourn with you and for you. May God bless and watch over you all and give you the strength that only He can give at this time. ~ Cindy Letellier Kadoka, SD (8/26/2012)
May Jehovah, the God of all comfort and tender mercies comfort you and your family in this time of sorrow (2 Cor 1:3,4). ~ Rechee Huff West Palm Beach, FL (8/26/2012)
I am so sorry to hear of Lana's passing. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful person she was. ~ Kathy Larson LaDue Anamosa, IA (8/26/2012)
We were truely surprised and very sorry to hear of Lana's passing. We never know when the Father has special needs or plans for us. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. ~ Gene & Audrey Jones Midland, SD (8/26/2012)
Tommy and family,You and your family will always have a special place in our hearts. We were so sorry to here of Lana's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. May God Blessing. Betty ~ Betty & Darwin Haerer Wall,SD (8/26/2012)
Jane and the entire family,
I was shocked to hear of Lana's passing. So young and lots of life left to live. I will always remember the beautiful voice that she shared during one of the family member services. My prayers are with you all for peace and times to share the wonderful memories. ~ Monica Terkildsen Wanblee, SD (8/26/2012)
To all of Lana's Family: I am so sorry for your loss; was shocked to read in the RC Paper of her passing. While I did not know her as an adult (only as a young neighbor girl in the 60s on Brave Bull Creek), I am so impressed with the impact she made on people. I WISH I'd known her as an adult! I pray you have many "remember-whens" and precious memories as you visit with family and friends during this very difficult time. May God be especially close to you now! In Christ, Beryl (Addison) Geer ~ Beryl (Addison) Geer PO Box 2018, Gillette, WY 82717 (8/26/2012)
To Lana's Family-I am so sorry for your loss. Lana was not only a classmate but a good friend. She was always smiling and there was never a dull moment with her in our class(family). Her beautiful voice will always be heard in our hearts. God bless and keep you Lana. We will miss you.

~ Tyra Austin Big Stone City, SD (8/26/2012)
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal
Love leaves a memory no one can steal....

Love to all,

Nancy Gant ~ Nancy Gant Aspen, Colorado (8/26/2012)
Mary Jo, Tommy, Jesse & Jane,
So sorry for your loss. It just is wrong when the youngest leaves first. I will keep your family in my prayers. ~ Coleen Berry Kayras Sturgis, SD (8/26/2012)
Dear Tejai, Ryder, Tim, Ruby, Lennie and Jones family,
We were so sorry to hear of Lana's passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to the kids and all her loved ones. Praying for you to know the love of the Great Comforter and feel His loving arms around you. ~ Kenny & Lyndy Ireland Philip, SD (8/26/2012)
Lana was the best. Always kind, caring and fun. To know her as a friend and to work with her was a joy. She will be missed. Sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy ~ Darlene Schnee Kadoka, SD (8/26/2012)