Susan L. (Kellar) D'La Rotta

Susan Lynn (Kellar) D’La Rotta, 66, died unexpectedly November 25, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. She was born August 1, 1956, in De Smet, the daughter of Lawrence Kellar and Nancy (Lester) Kretschman.

Susan graduated from De Smet High School, Class of 1974. Following graduation, she attended the National College of Business in Rapid City, earning an associate’s degree in Travel business Management and a minor in Bookkeeping. She received her certification as a travel counselor through the Institute of Certified Travel Agents in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She went on to work at several large travel agencies in Rapid City; St. Joseph, Missouri; and Warner Robins, Georgia. She finished her career as the office manager of Larson Data Communications in Mitchell, where she was beloved by co-workers. She was an integral part of operations while at Larson Data Communications, earning the respect and admiration of the company’s clients. Susan was an avid reader and movie-lover, and she loved to travel. Having had the opportunity to visit locations and sites around the world, the Black Hills remained the destination that was nearest and dearest to her heart. She was a gentle soul who adored animals and enjoyed being in their company. She was a lifelong swimmer, and she bowled on The Depot team for the Kernelette League in Mitchell. She was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge No. 875. Above all, Susan’s greatest personal accomplishment was being a mother. She never passed up an opportunity to share with anyone who would listen about how much she loved her two sons.

In addition to her father, Susan was predeceased by her sister, Laurie (Kellar) Williams Arroyos.

Surviving in addition to her mother, Nancy (Lester) Kretschman, are her sons, U.S. Army Major Nicholas D’La Rotta, of Alexandria, Virginia, and Matthew D’La Rotta, of Decatur, Georgia; her brother, Steven Kellar, of Lenexa, Kansas; and her half-brother, Monty Larson of Greybull, Wyoming.

A service of remembrance will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel, 208 Third St. SW, De Smet. Interment will immediately follow at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Susan in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the De Smet High School Class of ‘74 Fund, C/O Connie Halverson, 208 First St. NE, De Smet, SD 57231; or to the Wounded Warrior Project.

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