Nelda May Ekern, 60, passed away October 3, 2020. She was born in Flandreau, South Dakota, the daughter of Philip and Barbara (Goetz) Ekern. She had her father's brown eyes. She inherited her mother's talent for drawing. She was baptized at the United Methodist Church, Flandreau. She graduated from Rapid City High School.

Nelda married Ronald Mattson and they had two sons, Sean and Brian. Nelda and Ronald divorced. Nelda and her sons lived near Phil and Barb who enjoyed the boys. Nelda lived in Watertown where she enjoyed her miniature roses and liked to garden. She loved her service dog Silk. She built elaborate dog and cat runs for her pets.

Nelda is survived by her sons Sean Mattson of Mississippi and Brian Hopkins of Kansas, sisters Ruth Ekern of Rapid City SD and Enid (Patrick) Lynch of Hatton ND, and special friends Carol, Cindy, Vicky, Marion and her friends in Watertown.

Nelda Ekern will be interred at Union Cemetery, Flandreau SD. A graveside service will be held Thursday, May 20 at 10:30 am. Arrangements by Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau. www.skrochfc.com