Katherine Ann Talley

Katherine Ann (Plocar) Talley loved books and the arts. At Beloit College she was involved in plays, water ballet, painting and sculpting and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1959. Katherine married Robert Talley in June 1959 and supported him through medical school and residency while raising their three children. The family moved nine times before making Sioux Falls their permanent home in 1975. Katherine's creativity continued throughout her life including painting, needlepoint and sewing. She also enjoyed the arts of others including the Sioux Falls Symphony, local painters and sculptors. As a well-educated and intelligent woman, Katherine knew the value of ensuring children had access to quality education which led her to serve on the Sioux Falls PTA, eventually becoming its president. Katherine also dedicated her time to supporting organizations whose missions were important to her, including; the League of Women Voters of Sioux Falls where she was the Social Policy Chairwoman, the Northern Plains Tribal Arts Council, YWCA and Sioux Falls Arts Council. Katherine's passion for reading prompted her and two friends to establish the Book Shop in downtown Sioux Falls in 1988 where she found true joy connecting people with an eclectic supply of reading material for the next 20+ years. She is survived by her sons, Andy (Judy), David (Jodi), grandchildren Lexi, Bridget and Rick, Jack (Hannah) and Isabela, great grandson Samuel, sister-in-law Caroline, brother Charles and son-in-law Daniel. She is preceded in death by her parents Charles and Viola, husband Robert and daughter Kathy Talley Coughlin. A celebration of life visitation will be held 4-7pm Thursday, April 24, 2025 at Heritage Funeral Home with family present to greet friends.