Delores Lorena Carter-Hust, known affectionately to family and friends as “Dee,” passed away on May 29, 2026, in Rapid City, South Dakota. Born on Feb. 21, 1932, Dee was a classy lady, beautiful inside and out, who filled her 94 years with humor, energy, and a sharp wit. Mirroring the timeless glamour and spirit of the iconic Elizabeth Taylor, she famously looked back on her journey and remarked, “Lots of adventures. Lots of lovers. Life has not
been dull!”

Dee began her professional life as a country school teacher in the Volga area after graduating from Brookings High School in 1950 and attending teacher’s college in Madison. She then transitioned into healthcare, spending 24 dedicated years (1975-1999) working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in diverse environments across Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Lima, Ohio. While she excelled in her career, Dee’s greatest passions were centered around her roles as a daughter, sister, friend, wife, homemaker, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

In her younger days, Dee loved to dance, sing, travel, and socialize. As the years went on, she cherished quiet moments watching her favorite TV Westerns, especially Gunsmoke and Wells Fargo, and took great pleasure in shopping on QVC. She loved planning and celebrating holidays/special events, creating wonderful memories for the family she adored.

Dee is survived by her children, Jeffrey Allen Laughlin and Jan Maree Engels (Marvin); her grandchildren, Amber Keller (Jeremy), Neili Laughlin (Tanner), Audra Laughlin, Logan Michael Engels, Nikolay Dean Engels, Amy Mitchell (Brian), Cullan Laughlin (Tammy), Rory Engels (Brittney), Kali Powell (Chris); and her great-grandchildren, Addison Keller, Ryan Keller, Hayden Laughlin, Haley Nerland (Conner), Allie Laughlin (Issac), Jena Runia (Mason), Lauren J’Nofinn (Marcus), Brycen Mitchell, Talia Engels, Holden Engels, Cohen Powell, Kinlee Powell. She is also survived by her sisters, Jeannette Louise Crapser and Kay Lynn Cox (Ron), alongside extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Roger Hust, who passed away on March 30, 2011; ex-husband/father of Jeff and Jan, Donald Eugene Laughlin (1930-2011); her parents, Eldon Paul Carter and Hazel Mariah Laabs; her grandparents, Amberzine Glen, Albert Christopher Frederick Laabs, Anna White, and Alonzo Carter; her brother, Larry Eldon Carter; and her daughter-in-law Kimberly Laughlin in 2025.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Word of Hope Wesleyan Church, located at 1351 Jolly Lane, Rapid City, SD 57703. The service will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a light luncheon to follow at the church. Urn placement will occur at a later date at the Chief Tecopa Cemetery in Pahrump, Nevada.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Nurses at Hospice House in Rapid City, South Dakota. Online condolences and shared memories can be left on the guestbook register at WestRiverfd.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to West River Funeral Directors.