Lauretta Haney

Lauretta Haney, age 83, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at a local hospital.  She was surrounded by her loved ones. Visitation will be Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown.

Lauretta was born on August 23, 1941, to Leon Davis and Arlene Ronko in Watertown, SD. She graduated high school in San Lorenzo, California in June, 1960. She met and married David French and they had three children: Laurie, Vickie, and Roy. Her and her family lived in several states including California, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and South Dakota. She had various jobs but is most remembered for her waitressing years and caring for her children and grandchildren. She later married James “Jim” Haney on November 21, 1997. Together they spent many years traveling for racing, throwing darts, and taking Sunday drives.

Lauretta was known for her famous character birthday cakes, homemade Halloween costumes, and delicious baked goods. She loved reading, sewing, playing cards, and crafting with her grandchildren. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and could always be heard from the stands. She loved her family fiercely and was never afraid to show it. She left countless singing voicemails for birthdays and lots of “Love, Greatest Grammy” Facebook comments. Her smile and laughter will be greatly missed.

Lauretta was survived by her husband, Jim Haney; her children: Laurie French (Chad Wojahn), Vickie Reilly (Carl Pollard), and Roy French; her grandchildren: Brian (Jill) French, Tanya Goodwin, Kristina (Brent) Solum, Marissa (Mitchell) Giovannettone, Leah (Tyler) Kjenstad, Jaccob Sargent, and Dakota Sargent; her great-grandchildren: Addison, Audrina, Carson, Grayson, Brogan, Eleanor, Trinity, Holstyn, and Callan; and her sister Donna Beynon.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Shirley Davis, Leonard Davis, Sandra Murphy, Duane York, Dennis York, and Daniel Cates.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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