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Joan Leigh King-Woods
3/5/1941 - 3/5/2026
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Obituary For Joan Leigh King-Woods
Joan King-Woods celebrated her 85th birthday on March 5th, 2026 by receiving the best present of all, traveling to heaven and meeting Jesus. She was surrounded in love with her children at her side.
Joan was born March 5, 1941 to Rose (Mitchell) Newton and Edward Leroy Newton Jr. in Lake Forest, Illinois. She was the oldest of 5 children (Joan, Betty, Michael, Mary and Jim). Joan grew up in Highmore, South Dakota. During her junior year of high school she attended Mount Marty High School where she met lifelong friends. She graduated in 1959 from Highmore High School. She Continued her education attending Southern Teachers College in Springfield, SD where she earned a two year degree in education. While there she was active in cheerleading and baton twirling. She then taught in a rural school. She finished her elementary education degree at Black Hills Teachers College where she went on to teach for 50 years in different school districts. The majority of her teaching career was spent teaching on the reservations in South Dakota.
While Joan was at Springfield, she met and married Larry King in 1961. To this union four children were born: Kevin, Kimberly, Karmen and Kristi.
In 1997 Joan Married Ron Woods. Ron and Joan spent 16 years together.
Joan was an avid sports fan. She enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings and Timberwolves. Joan was a very “hip” grandma, sporting classy clothes and accessories. She always had her hair done and stylish nails.
More than being a stylish sports fan, she loved spending time with her kids and grandchildren.
Forever grateful for the gift of Joan’s life are her children; Kevin (Davee) King, Kimberly (Mike) Emme of Deadwood, Karmen (Wayne) Johnson of Rapid City and Kristi (Rodney) Sutten of Watertown. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren; Nolan (Sylvia) Johnson, Natalie Johnson, Whitney (Heath) Johnson, Newt (Claire) Johnson, Skyler (Jennifer) Sutten, Sydney (Nicholas) Kramer, Kellen King, Weston Emme, Andie King. She also leaves behind 8 great grandchildren; Lyra, Shae, Lyle, Avila, Ritter, Lucy, Isla and Ella.
Also surviving her are her siblings Betty Timm of Huron, Michael (Donna Jean) Newton of Chamberlain, Mary (David) Parlin Wood River, NE., and Jim (Lois) Newton of Spearfish.
Joan is preceded in death by her husband Ron Woods, her parents Edward “Leroy” and Rose Newton and her great grandson Noah Kramer.
Services for Joan will be held on Friday, March 20th at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at 520 Cathedral Drive in Rapid City, SD. Rosary starting at 10:30 followed by a Christian Funeral Mass. A Luncheon will follow mass at the church. Burial will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery at 2:30.
Live Stream
Services
Rosary service
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Interment
02:30 PM
Tributes
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Lisa Hermann planted 5 trees in memory of Joan Leigh King - 01/01/1970
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James O'Neill sent Graceful Garden Basket for Joan Leigh King - 01/01/1970
Karmen, Wayne and Kids- You are in our thoughts and Prayers. Love- Dan, Vera, James, Abby, John, Allie and Kids at Lazy EO Ranch
Condolences
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04/07/2026
Im so saddened to hear of the passing of Joan. Joan came to me for many years for her nails. We saw eachother every couple months from 2011-2025 when I had to stop working due to my own battle w breast cancer. Joan and I now we had some good talks, and she was always so exited to share the news about new grand babies. Over the years we talked, politics, men, life. All of it. I soaked in the wisdom of Joan. I just wish I could have seen her one more time. I have a favorite saying I use often of hers, as we both were single women, me in my 40s now. Shed say " i dont want to be any mans nurse w a purse. Haha, I loved her spirit, she was a strong good woman and I know heaven is happy to have her. God Bless her family daughter and son and all littles.
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03/18/2026
A vivid memory of your mama is her in Kristi's basement, sitting on the couch with the National Enquirer in her lap 🙂 She was well loved. I know you all will miss her dearly. Hugs to all. May she rest in peace.
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03/12/2026
I am so sorry to hear about Joan. My deepest sympathy.
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03/11/2026
I met Joan during our junior year at Mount Marty High School . Time passed quickly before we began to share our similar life journey with lots of laughter. To the immediate family and extended families may you find comfort and peace during this difficult time. Love to all. Shookie
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03/11/2026
More than a sister, a friend We grew up together and knew the same highschool students & had many sister good & fun times & will be greatly missed,remember the basketball backboard & changing names on it so much
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03/08/2026
My memory of Joan is as you describe her always dressed nice with all the accessories. Thinking of her family .. cherish the memories God Bless
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03/07/2026
My Mother, Phyllis lived down the hall from Joan and also went to meet Jesus just a few months ago. Loved visiting with Joan when I saw her in the apartment. She was always friendly with a smile. My condolences to all the family and I pray God will comfort you all and fill you with precious memories of your Mother/Grandmother to carry you through your lives. God bless, Jayne Miller
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