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In memory of

Fae Johnston

of Interior, South Dakota, died on Monday, March 14, 2011 at Rapid City Regional Hospice of the Hills, after a long battle with cancer at the age of 68

Fae E. Eitemiller was born Jan. 7, 1943, in Wagner, South Dakota, to Vene and Eleanor (Eggers) Eitemiller. She graduated from Wagner High School in 1961, marrying Wayne Ramsdell that same year. They farmed south of Wagner and had two children, Tammy and Cherie, and were members of United Methodist Church.
In 1966, they moved to Wagner and started Ramsdell Dirt Moving. Beginning with snow removal and township road grading, they eventually expanded the business, building roads, lagoons, airports and several Soil Conservation dams. Fae played an integral role in the business, bidding jobs, reading blueprints, driving equipment and acting as site foreman. She was featured in an article in the Huron Daily Plainsman on working women.
She spent time camping and she and Wayne had a stock car he raced in Lake Andes.
She earned her pilot’s license and enjoyed traveling across much of the U.S. and into Mexico.
In 1986, she divorced and moved to Rapid City, starting her own company, F.A.E. Construction. She worked on many Forest Service projects and runways at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
On June 5, 1993, she married Jerry Johnston. After he retired as county agent for Meade County, they started their own company, Potato Creek Construction.
She was a member of the South Dakota Land Improvement Contractors Association, Inc., and served as its president in 1997.
In 1997, they made the move from construction to ranching near Interior. While in Interior, Fae attended the Presbyterian Church in Interior.
Fae preferred to spend time outdoors, working in the pastures and fields either on a four-wheeler or tractor. But she also enjoyed cooking, sewing, refurnishing furniture, gardening, canning and visits with her grandchildren. She liked going to auctions and rodeos, on wagon train rides, rock and fossil hunting, fishing and hunting. One of her prize possessions was a fur coat she had made from the hides of coyotes.
She and her husband also enjoyed taking trips with their antique cars. She enjoyed school and family reunions and the couple often had visitors throughout the year from different states.
Fae became known for her “Aunt Ruth” letters she wrote on a daily basis describing ranch events, complete with photos that attracted a following across several states. A photographer all her life, her photos were featured in an article of the March/April 2011, issue of South Dakota magazine.
Survivors include her husband Jerry Johnston of Interior; two daughters Tammy Fae Ramsdell and her husband Mark Osborne of Jackson, Mississippi, and Cherie Lynn Ramsdell and her husband Jeff Michels of Mitchell, South Dakota; two grandchildren Torrie Fae Michels and Samuel Vene Michels; four step-children Sheila Meink and her husband Brant of Omaha, Nebraska, Jayme Thompson of Grovetown, Georgia, Cory Johnston and his wife Sabrina of Sioux Falls, and Jody Sills and her husband Jacob of North Augusta, South Carolina; six step-grandchildren Korbin, Peyton and Kiernan Meink, Sydney Thompson, and Josie and Jayna Johnston; two brothers Arnold Eitemiller and his wife Shirley of Wagner, and David Eitemiller and his wife Marie of Mitchell; two sisters Lois Olson and her husband Marvin of Sisseton, and Helen Biever and her husband Larry of Fredericksburg, Virginia; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Fae was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation was held 4-7 p.m. on Friday evening, March 18, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Wall.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 19, at the Interior School Gym, with Pastor Kathy Chesney and Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating.
Interment was at the Interior Cemetery.
A memorial is established. 

FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, March 19 - 10:00 a.m.
Interior School Gym
Interior, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
Pastor Harold Delbridge
MUSIC
Fred Eitemiller - Vocalist
“The Lord’s Prayer”
“Amazing Grace”
Corrin Amiotte - Vocalist
USHERS
Scotty McLaren - Shawn Amiotte
Jae Smith - Dusty Leach
PALLBEARERS
Ronnie Twiss - Wayne Huether
Lyle O’Rourke - Tom O’Rourke
TK Sampson - Jerry Sampson
HONORARY PALLBEARER
Dale Curtis
INTERMENT
Interior Fairview Cemetery
Interior, South Dakota


Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 4-7 p.m. on Friday, March 18, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Wall.
Funeral services: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 19, at the Interior School Gym, 
Interment: Interior Cemetery.

  • Cory and Family,

    You are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord Be With You Now and Always.     ~ Fawna Geigle Enid, OK (3/14/2011)
  • Jerry and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We always enjoyed out visits with Fae when we would see each other. Cherish all your good memories. God bless!! ~ Tucker and Bev Hudson Howes, SD (3/14/2011)
  • We are so sorry to hear about your loss. What a special lady! We will be thinking and praying for you all. We all have so many special memories of her to hold think of we hope that will be of some comfort to all of you. God Bless. ~ Bruce & Lynn Dunker and family Wall (3/14/2011)
  • What a brave and courageous battle Fae fought. She was a woman of determination and what a lady she was. We so enjoyed our visits with her when she brought things into the shop or when we went out to the place. She is no longer suffering and for that you can be grateful. Cherish the memories and may you find peace in your faith. ~ George, Shirley & Lee Dennis Philp (3/14/2011)
  • We have lost a very special lady, but God has gained a special angel. Know that she is watching over you, and every once in a while she will let you know she is around. Trust me. You will be in our thoughts and prayers Jerry. ~ Mike and Linda Howie 19235 Tidewater Rd. White owl, SD 57792 (3/14/2011)
  • I so enjoyed my visits with this beautiful lady. She was always energetic and full of living. She will be missed and pray for you all as you go on with her smile remembered and her memories in your heart. ~ Julie and Gary Nixon 21142 224th Street Philip, SD 57567 (3/14/2011)
  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. As in the Chris Tomlin song "her chains are gone, she's been set free". Keep her close to your heart and remember her with a smile. ~ Lea (Willuweit) Ymker Armour SD (3/14/2011)
  • Jerry & family, Sorry to hear about the loss of Fae. You are in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Andrew Eisenbraun Rapid City, SD (3/14/2011)
  • To the Johnston Family,
    I have known Fae since 1979 when she would stop in Sioux Falls to buy parts for her CAT machinery. I just read the nice story about her in South Dakota Magazine. Fae was a very kind and lovely person. She always greeted you with her warm smile. I am very saddened to hear of her passing. God's Peace to you all.     ~ Steve Flanery Rapid City (3/14/2011)
  • Fae was always the shining light of wonderful values and joy. She will always shine brightly in our memories.
    What a light she gave to all of us and now to God in heaven.     ~ Marilyn D. Jackson 4727 E. Sourwood Dr., Gilbert, AZ 85298 (3/14/2011)
  • So sorry to hear about Fae but she is not suffering anymore. Fae and I were friends in school and then went our separate ways coming back together in 2000 at the All School Reunion. Since then we had been staying in touch and our friendship was renewed in addition to her becoming friends with my wife Ellen who also sends her regards. She was an awesome lady and friend and I will miss her. Prayers of strength go out to all the family. ~ Jim OConnell Pensacola, FL (3/14/2011)
  • Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you....Find peace in knowing Fae had a great life to share with everyone who had the joy of knowing her.. ~ Earl Fisher Family Rapid City (3/14/2011)
  • I was saddened to read of the untimely death of your mother. She certainly led an interesting and varied life. I knew Tammy through The Daily Republic and Cherrie through the Mitchell School system. Prayers. ~ Rod Hall Mitchell (3/14/2011)
  • Dear Jerry & Family,
    We had always hoped to get to South Dakota, but with regret, never made time to come take advantage of cousin Fae's gracious hospitality and see for ourselves the beauty and hard work surrounding your ranch. We did, however, gather on a weekly basis around the computer to read Fae's "Aunt Ruth" letters and see the world through her eyes and camera lens. This unique family tradition will be greatly missed, but the indelible images of beauty and detail she created for us was the next best thing to actually being there. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.     ~ Art & Mary Beth Eggers Rapids City, IL (3/14/2011)
  • Jerry and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Fae was a person who always welcomed you with open arms. She was a strong woman i will never forget. ~ Hope Olic Faulkton, SD (3/14/2011)
  • It was always a pleasure to have Fae at church when I was the pastor at Interior. She was always very joyful and upbeat. May God strengthen you during this painful time. ~ Mark Ford St. Cloud, MN (3/14/2011)
  • Cheri and Family, Prayers and gentle thoughts are directed to you at this, though painful, also holy time. ~ Jack & Mary Mortenson mary@sparklight.org (3/14/2011)
  • Jerry & family, We were so sorry to hear of Fae's passing. She was such a gracious and great gal. We always felt so welcome at your Ranch. She will be missed by so many but know she isn't suffering anymore. You all have our prayers and we will be thinking of you & keeping in touch. We sure will miss her "Aunt Ruth Diary". ~ Dick & Priscilla Landsman Centerville, SD (3/14/2011)
  • Cheri and Tammy, May God be with you during this time in your life ~ Dr Gene & Gert Dressler Wagner, S D (3/14/2011)
  • Our deepest sympathy to you Jerry and the family. Fae was a very special lady and the community will miss her so much. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Mike & Jena Amiotte Interior, SD (3/14/2011)
  • Jerry and Family
    You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.     ~ Kathy and Don Meink Crofton, NE (3/14/2011)
  • Our love, prayers, and sympathy are with you at this sad time. May knowing that she is at peace and terrific memories and friends/relatives help ease the pain of missing her. We have great memories of Fae from Wagner and Wagner high school!!!! ~ Jay and Mary Lea Hennies Vermillion, SD 57069 (3/14/2011)
  • Blessings to you and your family..we have fond memories of Fae when she lived in Wagner.... ~ Dave and Diane Robertson Wagner (3/14/2011)
  • Jerry and Family, My deepest sympathy to you and the family. She will be missed.I always enjoyed visiting with Fae. ~ shirley carlson buffalo gap sd 57722 (3/14/2011)
  • Jerry Lane, very sorry to hear of your wife's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Tim & Peggy Lester Alexandria, VA (3/14/2011)
  • Fae fought a courageous battle against a persistent enemy. Whenever I saw her, she had a smile and an easy way of visiting. I'll miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. ~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler 24208 Fairview Rd, Philip SD (3/14/2011)
  • To Fae's Family, How wonderful to have been blessed by knowing Fae. She was a beautiful force of nature that is already missed! You are in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Alyssa Peters Rapid City (3/14/2011)
  • Jerry & family, Sorry to hear about the loss of Fae. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

     ~ Sheryl (Huether) Sether Hot Springs, SD (3/14/2011)
  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families ~ Merle & June Stone Wagner (3/14/2011)
  • To Fae's family, we have been praying for Fae at her home church, United Methodist in Wagner, for a very long time. So many people here remember her. She was a grade ahead of me in school and we had some classes together. We will continue to pray for the family as you mourn her passing. May God's love comfort and sustain you all. ~ Linda Soukup Wagner, South Dakota (3/14/2011)
  • What a special lady Fae was. I have very fond memories bowling with Fae. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time in their lives. ~ Debbie Bryan Wall (3/14/2011)
  • You are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Corine & Ron Christman 31 Canyon View Dr (3/14/2011)
  • Jerry! so very sorry to hear of your loss,our family prayers are with you,hang in there, LaVene ~ LaVene Fisher Odom Rapid City,SD (3/14/2011)
  • Tammy and Cheri:
    So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.     ~ Ken Thaler Wagner, SD (3/14/2011)
  • Tammy and Cherie, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your mother was a remarkable and talented woman who raised two remarkable and talented daughters. Her love for you will be with you and sustain you forever. ~ Bette West Virginia (3/14/2011)
  • Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to all of Fae's family. She was truly a wonderful,great lady/ I still remember seeing her driving that big team and wagon!!! ~ Harold and Mary Schnee Kadoka, SD (3/14/2011)
  • our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Fae, she was one of a kind, Don had the pleasure of working with her when he was Highway forman for Chas. Mix Co. She was one talanted lady just as her girls are. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. ~ Don and Doris Hosek Wagner, SD (3/14/2011)
  • Jerry: You have our deepest sympathy. I have always enjoyed your positive attitude and thought that you and Fae were the perfect couple since she was the same way. ~ Philip & Mary Kay Wilson Elm Springs (3/14/2011)
  • Dear Cherie and Tammy,
    My thoughts are with both. I'll always remember the wonderful times with you both and your Mom. She always had a smile and a laugh for me. She was a very special lady. She was a hard worker and always saw the best in people. My prayers are with you both. With much sympathy! Kim Dressler Weisser     ~ kim dressler weisser 441 samples brush co 80723 (3/14/2011)
  • From all of us at South Dakota Magazine, we were honored to meet this "tough as nails" rancher's wife with an eye for beautiful photography. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. ~ Heidi Marsh Yankton, SD (3/14/2011)
  • Cheri,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to meet her several times and it was easy to see that she was an amazing woman. As I told you when we spoke, she passed that trait on to her girls. Thinking of you.     ~ Wade Greenwood Mitchell, S.Dak. (3/14/2011)
  • Jerry, my deepest sympathy for your loss. From the Power's family to yours may God be with you and give you strength... ~ Eddie Powers Hermosa, SD (3/14/2011)
  • Jerry,
    Sorry for your loss, she was a special lady. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.     ~ Marvin & Norma Williams Owanka, SD (3/14/2011)
  • Jerry and family -- I will always remember Faye with the larger than life smile she always wore. She was a great lady. Keep the memories with you cherish them and share them often with one another. They are a great comfort. ~ Wendy Eisenbraun Wall, SD (3/14/2011)
  • Hi Jerry. we never met but waa a class mate of Faye's got to visit with her at Wagner's class reunion a few yrs. ago. We had a lot of great times together during our school yrs. Her wide smile and great personality will be missed by all. Leona Honomichl Halva,Tyndall,S.D. ~ Leona Halva 709 Main Tyndall,S.D.57066 (3/14/2011)
  • On behalf of myself and the construction industry of South Dakota, we extend our sympathy. I served as the Executive Director of the South Dakota Land Improvement Contractors Association when Fae was a South Dakota LICA Board Member and when she served as the association's President in 1997. Fae was an intelligent, knowledgeable, multi-talented individual, who was an asset to South Dakota's construction industry. Her smile always brightened up a room; she will be missed by those who knew her and worked with her. ~ Jim Keyes Pierre, SD (3/14/2011)
  • We never knew Fae very well but we do understand her long fight with cancer. She had to be a very strong person with a strong faith to endure for so long. Her life must have blessed many people ~ Donald & Joyce Jobgen 24800 Sage Creek Road Scenic,SD 57780 (3/14/2011)
  • So sorry to hear of this loss. May it be of some comfort to know others care. Love Rose ~ Rose Nedved 615 E 17th Yankton, S.D.57078 (3/14/2011)
  • Cherie and Tammy - I was sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I hope that you find comfort in fond memories at this difficult time. I remember our neighborhood as children and that your mom always seemed to have a smile on her face when kids were around . . . ~ Gregg Stedronsky Chaska MN (3/14/2011)
  • Tammy and Cherie, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. She left this world much to soon. One of my favorite memories of her was when she was the camera man on our mythology movie. (remember that?) I also admired her for being strong enough to do "mens work" and do it well. You both are in my thoughts. ~ Rhonda (Stone) Poor San Antonio Texas (3/14/2011)
  • Cherie,Tammy and the Johnson family. I had the privledge of working for Fae back in 1984 and 85. I always admired her drive and strength! Sorry for your loss you have my deepest sympathy. Your family is in my prayers.......
     ~ Scott Allen Remsen Iowa (3/14/2011)