Elaine Emery

Elaine Faye (Ritchie) Emery, 91, died Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Monument Health Hospital in Custer, S.D., surrounded by her family and friends.
Elaine was born at the Homestake Hospital in Lead, S.D., Jan. 8, 1935, to Walter J. Ritchie and Hazel S. (Keffeler) Ritchie. She attended elementary school at Saint Patrick’s Catholic School, then attended Lead High School, graduating in 1952.
Elaine married James W. Emery in Lead Aug. 24, 1957, and they had one son, David.
Elaine was employed by the Rapid City Journal and also worked as a legal secretary in both Hot Springs and Custer.
She was very involved in her community and state, spending much of her life serving others. She was active in the South Dakota Republican Party, assisting with teenage Republican camps and working on numerous political campaigns, including those of her late husband, Jim. 
Elaine served on the board of the South Dakota Easter Seals Society and was appointed by Gov. Janklow as an original member of South Dakota Video Lottery Commission. She was later appointed to the South Dakota Gaming Commission, serving as its chair. She worked tirelessly for years alongside her friend Ruth Ziolkowski managing the college scholarship program for Crazy Horse Memorial. She was also an active member of the altar society at Saint John’s parish for decades.
She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend, who loved to cook and entertain friends and family in her home; a gracious host right up until the very end of her life. Happy hour at 5 p.m. was always a highlight!
She was honored to receive several awards including the Custer Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award (jointly with her husband Jim) and Crazy Horse Memorial’s Dreamer Award (jointly with her husband Jim).
Elaine is survived by son, David Emery and wife Deanna, of Rapid City, S.D.; grandson, Brandon Emery and partner Sydney Whitmarsh of Custer; grandson, Ryan Emery and fiancé Isabelle Melmer of Salt Lake City, Utah; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James (Jim); parents, Walter and Hazel Ritchie; and both of her sisters, Dolores Ritchie and Barbara Kriz.
A wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 4 at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer. A private family burial service is planned at Black Hills National Cemetery.
 A memorial has been established for the Custer YMCA. You may send condolences to the family or make memorial donations at chamberlainmccolleys.com
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.