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 sorts 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 (Nichoas) 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 (Louise) 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. Burial will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery at 2:30.