Connie Raye Baertsch

Connie Raye Volin Baertsch, 64, Rapid City, passed away suddenly but peacefully at home Monday, July 30, 2017.

She was born August 14, 1952 to Charles "Toots" and Peggy (Meade) Volin in Belle Fourche, SD, and was granddaughter to Jean (Meade) Elmore. She lived her early years on the Volin homestead in South Dakota. She treasured her memories of her time on the ranch and the antics with her siblings. The family then moved to Rapid City in 1961. Connie attended St. Martins Academy and was a proud member of the first graduating class of Rapid City Stevens in 1970.

She met Steve Baertsch on a blind date on October 26, 1973. Toots must have had good taste, because they were married one year later, October 26, 1974. Scott Jason was born June 10, 1976. The family moved to Sheridan, WY in 1978 and their second son, Dustin Charles was born April 4, 1982. Connie spent the early years enjoying her favorite job – being a mom. She later worked for the retirement community Sugarland Ridge in Sheridan. They moved to Beach, ND in 2001 where Connie worked for Beach Elementary as the school secretary. She loved watching the kids grow and helping to keep the school running. She later retired in the summer of 2014 and they moved to Rapid City.

She gained the daughter she always wanted when Dustin married Emily in 2007. Her grandchildren, Jonathon and Bailey, brought her the utmost of joy. Being a Nana was truly the best thing in her life. She had a passion for interior design and all things HGTV. She could also shop as much as Steve's pockets allowed. Connie had a knack for humor, a most generous heart, and so much love for all of her family and friends.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Steve Baertsch; son, Dustin and Emily of Rapid City; mother, Peggy (Ray) Volin; siblings, Lynda and Nick Reed, Dixie Hunsaker, Charles Volin, and Leo Volin; In-laws, Mike and Lisa Baertsch, Pat and Herb Giorgio, Dee Ann Baertsch and Wally Owen, and Sandy Baertsch; Grandchildren, Jonathon and Bailey Baertsch; and numerous nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Scott Baertsch; father, Charles "Toots" Volin; In-laws, Don and Donna Baertsch; brother-in-law, Dave Hunsaker; and nephews, Chad Baertsch, and Jon Heisinger.

A memorial has been established with the family to benefit Storybook Island.

Visitation was held August 3, 2017, at Kirk Funeral Home.

Funeral services were held August 4, 2017, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Burial followed at Mountain View Cemetery.