Luetta Joy Moore

Luetta Joy Moore was a loving mom, grandma, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend who will be missed dearly. Her precious soul and beautiful smile followed the butterflies to the gates of heaven on August 9, 2021.

She was born 78 years ago to Harry and Esther (Svendsen) Nelson on their Churchill Farm, where in her own words, she had a wonderful childhood with her mother, daddy, and two sisters.

Luetta attended a one room country schoolhouse until 7th grade and graduated from Irwin in 1961. She then earned her degree in education at Ottawa University and married her high school sweetheart in 1965. They moved to Wellman, and she taught first grade while David attended law school.

Luetta's first "gift from heaven in 67" arrived and she became a full-time homemaker. Returning to Harlan in 1969, "in 70 we had a he and in 72 we were through". Luetta raised her three children while being active in church, bridge clubs, Christian Women's Club, University Women, Literary Club, piano, making corn husk dolls, sewing, hosting sleepovers for children's friends, and attending all their activities.

After her children graduated high school, she went back to her passion of teaching and taught fifth grade at Westridge. "Ms. Moore" took great pride in her students until her retirement in 2011.

Her greatest pride and joy were her three children, their spouses, and six grandchildren. She made each and every one a personalized homemade birthday cake every year.

One of her favorite hobbies besides shopping was traveling with her friends and family. Her most cherished trips were to Jason's lake house, seeing LaNae in Arizona, and watching sunsets with Kris. We were all so blessed to spend so much time with her over the years.

Luetta is survived by her sister Bonnie (Bob) Burton of Irwin, IA; daughter Kris (Brad) Archer of Rapid City, SD; son Jason (Leslie) Moore of Clarion, IA; daughter LaNae (Joe) Townsell of Peoria, AZ; and her precious grandchildren: Jordan, Jaylen, Alayna, Jacob, Joshua, and her little man Jaxon.

Please stop by Luetta's garden between 12-3pm on Saturday, August 14th, to watch a special message from Pastor Jeff Nelsen. A light luncheon and bars will be provided as we share memories and celebrate her life. If you have any favorite photos of Luetta please bring those along to share and plant her garden with good memories.
In lieu of flowers, donations will establish and maintain a memorial garden in her remembrance at Monument Health Hospice in Rapid City. Memorials can be sent to Kris Archer at 13881 Evans Court, Rapid City, SD 57702 or brought to the celebration.