Nancy D. Miles

"As long as there is a road in front of you, you are never lost."
Nancy Miles, 71, of Tea, SD and formerly of Rapid City and Gettysburg, SD lost her courageous fight against Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma Cancer on July 4, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by her daughter and loved ones. True to her lifelong philosophy, Nancy faced this final journey with the same adventurous spirit that defined her remarkable life.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg, with Pastor Laura Cook presiding. Burial will follow in the Gettysburg Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Nancy Diane Lillibridge-Miles was born to Wayne and Edna Lillibridge on September 18, 1953, in Gettysburg, SD. As the second child of five and first daughter, Nancy brought joy and energy to her family from the very beginning. She grew up in Gettysburg, where she participated in band and FHA while building lasting friendships that would enrich her entire life.
After graduating high school in 1971, Nancy moved to Rapid City, SD, to pursue her associate degree in business from National Business College (now National American University). It was there that she discovered her passion for sports and community involvement. Nancy's generous spirit emerged early when she volunteered for the American Red Cross after the devastating 1972 flood, always ready to help wherever she could. She was one of the founders of the sorority Psi Beta Chi, played basketball and volleyball at college, and her love for outdoor activities eventually led her to Denver, CO.
In Denver, Nancy found her element on the water, sailing her Hobie Cat and crewing for regattas. She fearlessly tackled Colorado's ski slopes, sometimes discovering only afterward that she had conquered black diamond runs. Nancy learned to play guitar, attended John Denver concerts at Red Rocks, enjoyed Dolly Parton shows, and embraced every moment life had to offer.
While in Colorado, Nancy met David Miles, who was visiting friends from Canada. Love led her to Canada, where they married and welcomed their daughter, Morgan Gwendolyn Miles. In the early 1980s, the family returned to South Dakota to be closer to Nancy's family.
When Nancy and David later separated, she and Morgan began their own special adventure as a dynamic mother-daughter team. Living by Nancy's philosophy that "you are never lost as long as there is a road in front of you," they explored the Black Hills together, climbing over rocks, swimming in lakes and streams, picking wildflowers (mostly dandelions), and simply enjoying each other's company on countless adventures.
Nancy later shared twenty wonderful years with Roger Schlader, enjoying country dancing, attending concerts like the Statler Brothers, Oakridge Boys, Clint Black, and so many more. They also enjoyed camping and fishing. Their partnership brought new joy and companionship to Nancy's life.
When asked about her profession, Nancy's shoulders would straighten, her eyes would gleam, and she would proudly declare that she was the Executive Administrative Assistant to the President and Board of Directors at Black Hills Federal Credit Union. Her job, as she saw it, was to make them look good and ensure they never had to worry about anything-and she loved every aspect of it (well, maybe not the contracts). Nancy excelled at her work, remaining with the same president for 30 years and later helping to train the new president and executive assistant.
Nancy was an active member of Eastern Star for 27 years, serving two separate terms as Worthy Matron, chairing various committees, and serving as Grand Representative. She could recite most positions and was always ready to help in any way possible.
After retirement, Nancy helped with Morgan's work and enjoyed being part of trainings and helping read and edit reports, as she said, that was "the fun part of the work!" However, Nancy's favorite time was time dedicated with her three grandchildren, who were her favorite humans in the world (with her daughter and son-in-law running a very close second). She could be found at every sporting event as the grandma to all the kids, whether it was a track meet, football game, or baseball game. Nancy never missed a school concert, presentation, or party. For her 70th birthday, the family celebrated by traveling to Houston, TX, to see the ocean, play in the pool, and attend a baseball game. Even this past May, Grandma could be found having dance competitions with Morgan or Rowan-and winning! Grandma could dance indeed!
One of Nancy's most treasured adventures was a trip to Hawaii with her best friend Lisa, where they explored the islands and swam in the ocean. Her favorite memory from that trip was swimming with sea turtles. The guide had instructed everyone not to touch the turtles, but then Nancy was gently head-butted by one of these magnificent creatures. In that magical moment, Nancy knew that the sea turtle was her spirit animal. The honu became a source of strength and comfort throughout her cancer journey, reminding her that she had the help and protection of these gentle ocean guardians.
Most recently, if you couldn't find Nancy at a sporting event or playing with her grandchildren, she was out on an adventure with her dear friend Sandy. Always looking for another adventure, they would go find new water, discover a new place to eat, seek out the best spots to view holiday lights, or explore the coolest old buildings in the community. Even until the end, Nancy was taking friends on the roads for more adventures, living true to her belief that as long as there's a road in front of you, you're never lost.
Nancy is survived by her mom Edna Lillibridge of Gettysburg, SD; daughter Morgan (Matt) VonHaden of Lennox, SD and their three children Logan, Augustus, and Rowan; partner Roger Schlader; siblings: Randy (Cheryl) Lillibridge of Grand Forks, ND, Carol (Randy) Simon of Hoven, SD, Larry Lillibridge of Huron, SD, and Sandy (Carey) Blaschko of LeCenter, MN. Nancy leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, step-children, step-grandchildren, her Sisters and Brothers in Eastern Star, and countless friends whose lives she touched.
Nancy will never be forgotten. She will be remembered for her unwavering positivity, boundless love, and remarkable ability to find joy and wonder in everyone and everything around her. Even in her final battle with cancer, she continued to inspire others with her strength, grace, and infectious optimism.
Mom, you showed us that life truly is an adventure, and that with the right attitude, we are never truly lost. Your legacy of love, laughter, and adventure will guide us always.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Nancy's arrangements.