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In memory of

Jill Alfaro

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 57

Jill Ann Fitch was born October 24, 1955, in Kadoka, South Dakota, the third of three daughters, to Lewis E. “Bud” and Dorothy (Hansen) Fitch. Jill graduated from Philip High School in 1973.
She and her mother purchased the 11-Mile Corner station. It was there she honed her pitch and pool playing abilities.
Jill traveled with her sister, Diane, and two friends to Rome, Italy, for the Holy Year Celebration of 1975.
In the early 80’s, she and good friend Paula Erdmann moved to Amarillo, TX, to work for Ike & Florence Dale at their Husky Truck Stop. It was during this time that she married Juan Tomás Alfaro.
After she and her daughter returned to Philip, she worked for the Box Factory before going to work at the local grocery store. She continued to work there until her death.
Jill loved nothing more than being outside on a warm day, even those unbearably hot South Dakota days where even the breeze is blazing. She just loved the feeling of the sun hitting her skin. Nothing was better than being able to mow or even spend the day reading a good or terrible book, depending on what whether you liked Stephen King or some juicy suspense, with a cold beer in one hand and a bottle of sun tan lotion in the other.
Her house was always filled with music! From golden oldies to some good old country as long as it was loud it didn't matter. She wasn't much of a singer, as anyone will tell you, but she was one hell of a dancer.
Jill cared deeply for every child in our family but I know for sure she had a special place in her heart for the Slovek's, Kash, Kaydence, and Karli and they sure filled her heart with so much joy in the hardest months of her life. Although she is gone they can always count on Grandma Jill to be watching.
Jill taught us many things without having to try too hard. For instance she taught us to strive to emulate a balance of strength and compassion, dignity and a love of mischief, but most importantly she taught us to never take life too seriously and to just be happy with the life you've got.
Survivors include her daughter Dorothy Ann Alfaro and her fiance Kyle Hoemke of Philip; two sisters Diane Fitch and Marianne Frein and her husband Lloyd, all of Philip; nephews Tadd Moriarty of Chicago, IL, Vance (Anissa) Moriarty of Manhattan, KS, Jacob Frein (Melissa) of Rapid City, Patrick (Amanda) Moriarty of Rapid City, and Ian Moriarty of Rapid City; nieces Mikal (Rian) Rasmussen of West Des Moines, IA and Laura (Bruce) Potter of Brandon, SD; a grand-niece Eliza Potter; grand-nephews Brodi Moriarty, Finn and Donovan Moriarty, Colt and Carson Frein, Graham Rasmussen, and Wyatt Potter; and her special friends Gina Thorson of Wadena, Minnesota, and Heather Eisenbraun of Philip. 
Jill was preceded in death by her parents Bud and Dorothy Fitch; her grandparents; and a brother-in-law Tom Moriarty. 
Visitation was held 4-6 p.m. Sunday, June 9, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the legion hall on Monday.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 10, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Father Kevin Achbach officiating.
Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 143, Philip, SD  57567.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Monday, June 10, 2013 - 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Father Kevin Achbach 
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist 
Kristina Schofield - Vocalist
“Go In Peace”
“Dona Nobis Pacem”
Congregational Hymn
“Amazing Grace”
USHERS
Rodney Dahlvang - Kalvin Eisenbraun
PALLBEARERS
Tadd Moriarty - Vance Moriarty
Pat Moriarty - Ian Moriarty
Kyle Hoemke - Bruce Potter
Jacob Frein - Rian Rasmussen
 
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota


Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, June 9, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Funeral services: 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 10, at the American Legion Hall in Philip.
Interment: Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

  • We're so sorry to hear of Jill's passing, she was always friendly & helpful at the store. She will be missed by all. Our prayers & thoughts go out to you all.
     ~ Floren & Debbie Falzone Philip, SD (6/6/2013)
  • So sorry for you loss. Philip has lost another bright smile and heaven has gained another angel. Her smile always reminded me of Ella Hart's smile--made you feel good all over!! ~ Roxy Formanek Hermosa SD (6/6/2013)
  • Dorothy,
    I was saddened to hear about Jill. I loved that lady and would always try to stop and say hi to her at Corky's. I have fond memories of grilling at the lake and your house when I was a teen. I take comfort in knowing she is in heaven with Bud and Dorothy and no longer suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.     ~ Melissa Reckling Rapid City SD (6/6/2013)
  • You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Jill was a very special lady. She will be missed here on earth but God has gained an another angel. ~ Bonnie Fitzgerald Memphis (6/6/2013)
  • We were so sorry to hear about Jill's passing but know she put up a gallant fight. Deepest sympathy to all her family and we will keep them in our prayers at this very hard time. She will be missed by many. Sincerely, Bev and Cork ~ Bev & Cork Jahner Kerrville Texas (6/6/2013)
  • We're so sorry to hear of Jill's passing. She was so great at the store, always so friendly & helpful. She'll be missed by all who knew her, an inspiration to all of us. Our thoughts & prayers are with her family. ~ Floren & Debbie Falzone Philip, SD (6/6/2013)
  • May God grant you peace my friend.

    ~ Betty Smith Philip (6/6/2013)
  • Dorothy,thinking of you and grieving for your beautiful mother who was so loved by so many,I am thankful to have got to call her my best friend,love you and Jill! ~ Gina Thorson wadena mn (6/6/2013)
  • We are so sorry to hear of Jill's passing. She was a great lady. always had time to stop and visit and a smile on her face. Our prayers and thoughts are with all the family. God Bless. ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St Sturgis, S. D. (6/6/2013)
  • So sorry to learn of the passing of Jill. She was so good at the grocery store, always greeting people and making a person glad she was there. We have to remember the good times. God gained another good person.
     ~ Jim & Vonnie O'Dea Howes,SD (6/6/2013)
  • So sorry for your loss. Jill was a good person and a very hard worker. She did a great job at the grocery store, always friendly, would say "hello" and give you a smile! God Bless you all during the days ahead. ~ Jolene & Don Haynes Philip SD (6/6/2013)
  • The store hasn't been the same since Jill finished working...I will miss her helping me find the 'good stuff' in the produce section, but mostly her selflessness. She never failed to ask me about my folks when they were failing-even remembering that they'd had a doctor's appt or some kind of test that I may have mentioned WEEKS beforehand. She would ask how it had gone and give her best to people she never knew. She was true blue-said it like it was, what a treat nowadays! And I admired that she was easy going and laid back...never trying to change things that couldn't be changed. Bless Dorothy and Kyle and the rest of her family. She is watching over you all now. ~ Vonda Hamill Milesville (6/6/2013)
  • What a huge empty space Philip now has. We'll miss her gentle smile, readiness to help and to listen, to share her thoughts with us. She was like a Hostess or Emissery for Philip. My prayers to her family and know that God is taking care of he now. ~ Shirley Chin Philip, SD (6/6/2013)
  • to Jills family she is free now, what a great lady, she was always friendly and concerned about me when she was going thru so much herself but she was a selfless woman. She will be missed by many but shes happy now!!! ~ Bonnie Moses Exeter nebraska (6/6/2013)
  • To all of Jill's family,
    I read all of the other posts here and can only say "Ditto" to all of them. Jill was a very, very special person, so selfless and kind. God rest her soul, and give you all peace.     ~ Glenn and Rita O'Connell Philip (6/6/2013)
  • I lived next door to Jill and Dorothy while Rhett was in high school. I could not have asked for better neighbors. Jill mowed my lawn and looked after the house in the summer months while we were in the country. I spent many evenings at her house and had the best talks! Not only was she a great neighbor but a kind, caring, super friend! ~ Lola Roseth Midland, SD (6/6/2013)
  • Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. We will miss Jill on our trips to the grocery store too! She was so helpful and always made sure to say hi to the kids! May her memories shine in your heart! Take care!
    God's Blessings,
    Jake, April, Riley & Tara Schofield     ~ Jake & April Schofield Philip (6/6/2013)
  • I just want you all to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Jill is the lucky one and she has got that mansion she deserves. She lived her faith by her attitude and cheerful spirit ~ a virtue hard to find these days. May God bless you all in the days ahead! ~ Judy (Kennedy) Goldhammer Wall (6/6/2013)
  • Loved working with her. She was a great friend. May God be with you in the days to come. ~ Mary Schofield Midland (6/6/2013)