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In Loving Memory of Delores Colgrove

Delores (Dee) LaVonne Colgrove, age 89, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026 at West River Health Services Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was born January 10, 1937, in Lemmon, South Dakota, to Charles and Violet (Arden) Gilbertson. Her early years were spent on the farm. As an only child, her companions were bottle calves, lambs, chickens and her dog.

The family moved to Lemmon, where Delores graduated from Lemmon High School in 1955. She married Albert Colgrove on October 23, 1955. The Colgroves joked that she married Al for his big family. Last year, following a broken femur, Delores worked very hard in rehab to get home for their 70th wedding anniversary. It was a testament of her love for Al.

Al and Dee had four children: Charlotte, Sandra, Trudy, and Tony. The family spent summer weekends fishing and camping at Shadehill, first in a tent and later in a pop-up camper. Dee organized the trips, assembling the camping and fishing supplies and preparing the food.

Dee loved dancing. She and Al belonged to a square dance group and spent many Saturday nights at the Steakhouse often ending up at their home for a midnight snack with their friends.

Delores lived a life defined by love, generosity, strength, and an unwavering desire to help others. She had a gift for making people feel cared for, not only through her words, but through the countless things she made. Her door was always open to anyone who came into her life.

Delores belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary. She was Treasurer for 30 years and served as the District President. She was instrumental in starting Cancer Care bags for WRMC, making thousands of tote bags.

She was a member of Spencer Memorial Presbyterian Church. The family served as church custodians for more than 30 years. She made banners, Christmas tree ornaments, puppets, and anything else that was needed.

Delores's hands were rarely still. When her daughters were young, she made all their clothes. In recent years she was known for her scrubbies, which she made by the thousands and delighted in giving to others. She enjoyed beading, making bracelets and necklaces for family and friends. Her beaded flag bracelets are legendary. Whether she was sewing, beading, or crafting, Delores was happiest making something for others. She loved having guests for dinner and there was always enough food for one more.

Delores leaves behind a lifetime of treasured traditions. Her family will always remember Christmas lutefisk, making lefse together, countless meals and card games. You could tell by her smile when she had a good pinochle hand.

Family was Delores's greatest joy. She was always present for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She showed up for their activities, cheered them on, and made sure they always knew they were loved.

Delores will be deeply missed. Her family finds comfort knowing that she is now pain-free, at peace, and reunited in heaven with those who went before her.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Albert Colgrove; children Charlotte (Tim) Kvale, Sandra Colgrove, Trudy (Richard) Wells, and Tony (Kelly) Colgrove; grandchildren Jarid (Lara) Kvale, Jade (Louisa) Kvale, Jordan (Jayma) Kvale, Zachery (Langley) Wells, Andrew (Ashley) Wells, Matthew Colgrove, and Erin Colgrove; and great-grandchildren Ben, Annika, Elin, Connor, Nora, Caleb, Dalton, Briggs, Millie Joy, and Evie. She had a big extended family that she loved and many dear friends.

Service of Remembrance will be Monday, August 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. MT at Spencer Memorial Presbyterian Church in Lemmon, SD.  Tim Holdahl, SAM and Charlotte Kvale, SAM will officiate and burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery in Lemmon. Visitation will be Sunday, August 23, 2026 from 3-5 pm at Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon, followed by a gathering of family and friends service beginning at 5pm.