Ada May Obituary

Ada Marion (Bullard) May was born on May 5, 1937, in Martin, South Dakota, the oldest of four children born to Messana and Grace (Costello) Bullard. She grew up in the Lacreek community and graduated from high school in Interior, South Dakota.

She married Bud May on October 15, 1953, in Pierre, South Dakota. They made their first home near Belvidere, where Bud taught school. They later moved to the Potato Creek area, closer to his parents’ ranch, where Bud continued teaching.

In 1961, they settled seven miles east of Kyle on what would become the family home place. Their first home there was a 10-by-30-foot trailer house with no running water or electricity, heated with wood. By then, they had five children: Evry, Avery, Tammy, Peggy, and Jerry.

The following year, they purchased the old schoolhouse from Swett, South Dakota, and moved it to their property. They dug a basement and set the schoolhouse on top, creating the home that still stands today. There, they welcomed four more children: John, Wayne, Pam, and Timarie. Along with raising their own nine children, Ada opened her home and her heart to many others throughout the years. Many children came through her doors and found a place in her family.

No one could fry chicken like Ada—and with her crowd, that often meant frying ten chickens at a time. She faithfully attended church in Kyle, then put on a big Sunday dinner where everyone gathered around her table for a delicious home-cooked meal. She always made sure there was plenty of homemade bread to go around. In Ada’s kitchen, ten pounds of flour made enough bread to last just three days.

Bud loved to tease, and their sons inherited that same streak, keeping their mom on her toes with plenty of loving mischief. Her short stature was a favorite subject, but Ada could take every bit of their teasing—and had no trouble giving it right back. Ada was a talented seamstress who made much of her children’s clothing. Later in life, she enjoyed making quilts alongside her friends Dorothy and Chris. Every Christmas, her family could look forward to something she had made especially for them.

Ada served as postmaster in Kyle for several years before accepting the postmaster position in Bullhead, South Dakota. Bud passed away while she was serving in Bullhead. She later transferred to Rosebud, South Dakota, where she also served as postmaster. After retiring from the Postal Service, Ada lived in Chamberlain, South Dakota; Brownsville, Texas; and Apache Junction, Arizona, making friends wherever she went. She loved a good dance and enjoyed meeting new people. A pretty dress, a pair of high heels, a cup of coffee, and a good cigarette were among her pleasures in life.

Ada eventually moved back from Arizona to be closer to family, settling in Rapid City, South Dakota. After several years there, she returned to Martin, bringing her closer to family once again. She spent her final years living across from her cousins, John and Dorothy Larabee, enjoying many conversations, cups of coffee, and meals together.

Ada is survived by her children, Evry (Linda) May of Kyle, South Dakota; Avery (Liz) May of Kyle, South Dakota; Peggy Two Crow of Interior, South Dakota; John (Shirley) May of Interior, South Dakota; Wayne (Carrie) May of Rapid City, South Dakota; and Timarie (Jim) Buer of Valentine, Nebraska. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren: Sandi May; Leni May Sr.; Bud May; Mary Jo (Jason) Fairhead; Karaleigh (Lindell) Two Crow; Lloyd Two Crow; Johanna May; Jonnilynn May; Jamie (Star) May; Jesse May; Jaycee (Matt) Berndt; Leslie (Doug) Witt; Coy May; Sydney (Marty) Ziegler; Mackenzie Word; Bradi, Hayden, and Leah Larabee. Her 13 great-grandchildren are Leni May Jr., Taelah May, Joey, Maddie and Oliver Fairhead, Tayden May, Juppiter and Evrlee Two Crow, Nicole Witt, Lucille Berndt, Tennessee, Ariayah Good Crow and Orion May. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Over the years many children found a home, a place at her table, and a mother’s love when they came through her doors, including Andrea Hines; Steve Fanning; Jack Gully; Richard Colhoff; Butch Vaughn; Tom Vaughn; Clint May; Richard “Dicky Boy” Pierce; Callie and Tommie Jo Raymond; and the Kieffe, Heathershaw, and Ferguson children.

Ada was preceded in death by her parents, Messana and Grace (Costello) Bullard; her husband, Bud May; her children, Tammy, Jerry, and Pam May; her brothers, Gary and Jack Bullard; and her sister, Pat Shankster.

Our family extends a heartfelt thank-you to Bennett County Hospital; Ada’s doctor, Lindsey Heath; Emily Sterkel and all the Home Health Care staff; Kennedy Oliva; and Rachel Adair for their care and kindness. A special thank-you goes to her daughter Peggy, who stayed with Ada during the last several months, giving her comfort, companionship, and loving care.

Visitation will be held 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, at the New American Legion in Martin.

Interment will follow the visitation at the Martin Community Cemetery.

Ada May

of Martin, South Dakota, died on Saturday, October 10, 2026
at Bennett County Hospital in Martin at the age of 89

Service Details

Guest Book

Ada May

of Martin, South Dakota, died on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Bennett County Hospital in Martin at the age of 89

Service Details

Guest Book

of Martin, South Dakota, died on Saturday, October 10, 2026
at Bennett County Hospital in Martin at the age of 89