Lois Elaine Clausen Raile, 68, of rural Mellette, SD died Sunday, February 8th at her home. Her funeral will be Thursday, February 12th at 11:00 a.m. at the United Church of Christ in Brentford. Reverend Jon Damaska will officiate. After a time for fellowship and lunch the burial will be in the Mellette Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2-8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Lois Elaine Clausen was born May 8, 1940 in Aberdeen SD to Matt A. and Esther Mae LaBay Clausen. She was raised on the family farm near Turton. She attended Clifton #8 "the Olson" country school and graduated from 8th grade. She attended and graduated from Brentford High School in 1958. During High School, she was active in Band, Declam, Girl's Basketball and Cheerleading. She also took piano lessons and later played the organ. She was willing to try about any musical instrument and even brought home a Bass Saxophone to play one year when the band 'was short'. She was a Page at the Legislature; attended Girl's State and was the Homecoming Queen along side her "King" cousin John Jones. After graduation, she attended South Dakota State University and then transferred to Black Hills State where she was also a cheerleader.

She was baptized and confirmed at the Brentford United Church of Christ. She attended Sunday School, Pilgrim Youth Fellowship and was a Sunday School Teacher. When she moved to Eureka, she continued her church activities at the United Church of Christ and served as Church Secretary, Youth Group Leader-helping to put on the annual chili and ice cream social and Easter breakfast, directed the Youth Choir, played piano and organ and many other activities. Upon her retirement, she again attended her home church in Brentford.

She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She loved animals, dogs especially, and had a special place in her heart for dachshunds. She also enjoyed oil painting.

While in college, she met Dick Deibert of Eureka. They were married December 27, 1962. To this marriage, 2 children were born; Michelle Rae (Shelly) born October 2, 1963 and Ryan Richard born September 3, 1967. They lived at various military bases until his discharge from the Army when they settled in Eureka.

On July 3, 1981 she married Bruce Raile from Eureka. They resided in Eureka until Bruce's death in 1985. In 1986, she moved to San Diego CA to be near her children. She enjoyed her life in California, making many friends and sharing the San Diego sites with out of town friends and family who visited. She began work at Qualcomm when it was a start up company and saw the company grow to a Fortune Five Hundred company. She worked there for over 14 years until her retirement in December of 2007. She was a cancer survivor and knew that life was God's gift to be treasured and celebrated.

She loved the farm life, helping her Dad and brother during the summer and after school as she was growing up. After her move to California, she returned as often as possible to South Dakota and the farm of her childhood. Her California friends may have been surprised to see her in the last few years as she road in the Brentford Centennial Wagon Train, and attended cattle, horse and dog shows to watch her great nephew and nieces. Upon her retirement, she returned to South Dakota and was living with her brother at the time of her untimely death.

She believed her family and friends were her greatest gifts and blessing from God. She treasured her grandchildren and cherished the time she was able to spend with them. She loved to play with and spoil her grandchildren and great nieces and nephews.

Survivors include Daughter; Shelly Taskin and husband Onder, grandchildren Jem Taskin and Senay Taskin, Son; Ryan Deibert all of San Diego. Brother; Larry Clausen of Mellette, Niece; Carrie Clausen Hansen and husband Rod Hansen and their children, BJ and fiancAC.e Katie, Jenae and Carli all of Turton, Nephew; Mike Clausen and his wife Vonda and their children Matt and Conner of Newell and many cousins and friends.

Lois was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, husband; Bruce and nephew; Billy Clausen.

Music will be by the congregation and Bev Allbee. Pallbearers will be: BJ Hansen, Katie Stratmeyer , Jenae Hansen, Carli Hansen, Ryon Bohl, Blair Bohl , Jim D. Smith and Bill Mitchell

Honorary Pallbearers are: Jem Taskin, Senay Taskin, Matt L. Clausen , Conner Clausen , BHS Class of 1958 and all relatives and friends. Tom Mitchell and Ronnie McLain will serve as ushers.