Allen R. Talley, 80, formerly of Opal and Faith, died Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, surrounded by his loving family, at the Country Place Senior Living Center in Belle Fourche.

Allen Raymond Talley was born Jan. 20, 1934, to Harvey and Ida Mae (Scheeler) Talley at their ranch near Avance, Meade County, SD. He grew up on the Talley ranch with 13 brothers and sisters and at an early age began his love for ranch life and livestock. He attended the Howell rural school and later earned his G.E.D.

He married the love of his life, Ellen Palmer on August 8, 1953 in Sturgis and they began their life together on the “Cow Camp” of the Talley Ranch. In 1958, they moved three miles south to be closer to school. They raised their family of one son, Rolis, and three daughters, Sharon, Reena and Nancy, there and were active in the Opal Community. Al loved neighboring and helping his ranch friends with brandings, working the cattle and sheep and any social event taking place. He will be remembered as an easy going, loving man.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of 61 years, Ellen of Belle Fourche; daughters, Sharon Priest of Dell Rapids, Reena (Dave) Veit of Buffalo, WY, and Nancy (Lynn) Miller of Mud Butte; daughter-in-law, Jan Talley of Pierre; sister, Thelma Healey of Rapid City; sisters-in-law, Edie Talley of Rapid City, and Arlene Beebe, Diamondville, WY; eight grandchildren, Regan (Levi) Kling, Danielle Priest, David A. (Brianne) Veit, Grant (Trish) Veit, Chancy (Jordan) Miller, Taylor, Shayna and Katy Miller; as well as six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche, and one hour before services at the church.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at the First Wesleyan Church in Sturgis, with Pastors Harold Delbridge and Sam Cowles officiating. Interment will be at Bear Butte Cemetery, Sturgis, under the direction of Faith Area Memorial Chapel, Evanson Jensen Funeral Home, Faith.

A memorial has been established. Condolences may be sent through our website at www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com.