Funeral services for Robert E. Talley, 85, Faith and longtime Opal area rancher will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 27th at 10 AM at the Opal Community Hall. Pastor Harold Delbridge will officiate and interment at 3 PM at Black Hills National Cemetery.
Visitations will be at the Faith Area Memorial Chapel from 1 to 4 PM, Monday, Sept. 26 and one hour prior to the service at Opal.

Mr. Talley passed away early Friday morning, Sept. 23rd at Pioneer Manor in Gillette, WY. A memorial has been established to the Opal Fire Department and Community Hall.


Robert Earl Talley was born on Nov. 14, 1919 at Kingsley, Iowa to Harvey H. and Ida Mae (Sheeler) Talley. At age 4, he moved with his family to eastern SD near Manchester and in 1933 they moved to the Opal area of Meade Co. Bob received his education in rural schools and worked on the family ranch until his induction into the U. S. Army in 1941. He served with the 45th Medical Battalion during World War II and was discharged in Oct. of 1945, when he returned to Meade county and purchased a ranch near his family's place.


On June 16, 1946 he and Geraldine "Jerry" Cullers were united in marriage in Hershey, Penn., having met when he was in the service. Bob brought his bride to the ranch near Opal where they raised their family of three daughters and were active in the Opal and Faith communities. Jerry passed away on Dec. 15, 1984, and he continued to ranch.


He was a life member of the Faith VFW Post #5751, had served as the first chairman in 1961 and was instrumental in the building of the Opal Community Hall, a member of the Opal Volunteer Fire Department, Farm Bureau, Howell School District Board Member for 18 years, Grand Electric Cooperative where he served as Minute Man for many years and a member of the Farmers Union. He particularly loved to fish, spend time with his family and friends and always loved the life of ranching. He sold the ranch in 2001.


Bob and Neva Forrester Olsen were married June 12, 1987 and they lived at the Opal ranch and in Faith , enjoying their "retirement" years together, especially their travels and mutual families and grandchildren. Due to failing health, Bob entered the Dorsett Home in Spearfish in Oct. of 2003. Neva passed away on April 4, 2005 and he then entered Pioneer Manor in Gillette, WY to be near his daughter and family, where he passed away.


Blessed with sharing Bob's life are his three daughters; Dawn and Jim Fogleman of Gillette, Robin and Ronald Ballmer of Odem, TX, Lynnette and Alistair Wilson of Kensington (Perth), Australia, 4 grandchildren; Ron and Robert Fogleman, Noelle and Vanessa Ballmer, 4 great grandchildren; Charity, Christopher, Stephen and Wyatt Fogleman, stepchildren and spouses; Erling and Linda Olsen, Dupree, Erdean and Verna Olsen, Rapid City, and Eylene and Randy Macy, Spearfish, and their families, brothers; Allen and Ellen Talley of Faith, Harvey and Doris Talley of Spearfish, sister; Thelma (Mrs. Buck) Healey of Rapid City and sisters in law; Arlene Talley (Mrs. Lyle) Beebe, Diamondville, Wy and Edith Talley, Rapid City.


In addition to Jerry and Neva, Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Irene Peterson, Alice Fairbanks, Ione Parks, Marjorie Shoun Gregson, and Evelyn Schuelke, brothers; Clayton, Maurice, Roland, Rolin and Donald Talley.