SPRINGFIELD — Funeral services for Della Snethen, 92, formerly of Springfield, will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield, followed by a 3:00 pm burial at the Winner Cemetery, Winner. Visitation will be at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield from 5-7 pm on Monday. The funeral will be live streamed on the Emmanuel Reformed Church, Springfield, SD Youtube page. Memorials may be sent to the Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Hamill SD or the Emmanuel Reformed Church of Springfield SD.

Della Lois Covey, eldest of six children, was born October 14, 1933, to Chester and Winnifred (Ferguson) Covey. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Majestic Bluffs/Sister James in Yankton on Saturday, August 29, 2026, after suffering a stroke in July 2024. Della attained the age of 92 years, 10 months, and 15 days.

Della was the beloved first grandchild of Hyatt (H.E.) and Lois Covey of rural Hamill. The young family lived with the grandparents in Dellas’ early years. In her grandparent’s home she was introduced to the value of education and being part of the political system. H.E. Covey served in the SD State Senate from 1918 to 1926. He was Lt Governor of South Dakota from 1927 to 1929. Della recalls house guests such as Karl Mundt and Wendell Willkie.

Della was educated in rural Tripp County Schools and was a proud 1951 graduate of Winner High School. Her father sold a cow to pay the tuition at SDSU for Della to start college. Della received certification for teaching elementary school from Black Hills State College, Spearfish, SD and began teaching K-8th grades in rural schools in Tripp County in 1955. She later received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Southern State College in 1972. She continued with graduate courses in Elementary Education, Psychology and Guidance and Counseling.

From an early age, Della took on many responsibilities with the family and the farm. She recalled hours spent caring for her younger siblings as well as with the farm chores.

Della was married to Harry Snethen at the Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Hamill on August 7, 1958. They were the first couple united in the new church, which was fitting, since much of their courtship was spent helping build it. Harry passed away in June 2008. Their nearly 50-year union was blessed with four children: David Harry, who died in infancy (1960), Phyllis Della (1961), Lois Marie (1962), and Daniel Harry (1967).

Harry and Della continued to farm and raise cattle and hogs on their farm in rural Hamill, SD until 1970, at which time they left the farm and moved to Springfield. This move allowed Della to complete her teaching degree in 1972. She started teaching in rural K-8 schools in Bon Homme County that year. Della later taught 5th grade in Tyndall Elementary for many years. Della ended her over 30-year teaching career as a Title 1 teacher at Tyndall Elementary in May 1998.

Della received recognition for her excellence as a teacher. She was named Tyndall Elementary Teacher of the Year in 1987. In 1990, she was honored with a Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Math from President George H.W. Bush at a Rose Garden Ceremony.

Della was a leader and trainer for other teachers. She served as an officer for the Bon Homme Education Association for several years and was active in other education committees and groups. She gave many presentations in South Dakota and around the country on Math Manipulatives and other Math and Science techniques.

Faith and family were important to Della. She and her siblings enjoyed many years of July Family Reunions at each other’s homes, Camp Wickiup and the Treehouse in Winner. Several of her grandchildren were blessed to spend time at Grandma’s house and attend Bible School in Springfield.

Della was a faithful member of the Hamill Orthodox Presbyterian Church and the Emmanual Reformed Church in Springfield. After her health required a move to the North Point Apartments in Tyndall, she continued to enjoy televised and online services. Della spent many years as a Sunday School teacher in both churches. She was also faithful in attendance at Ladies Aid in Hamill. Della was diligent in preparing her Scripture lesson and program for Worship and Service Circle and Willing Workers in Springfield. She could always be counted on to help serve and “butter the buns” for funeral lunches and other events.

Della was preceded in death by her husband Harry, her son David, her parents, brother Don Covey, sister Donna Bunn and several special aunts, uncles and cousins.

Carrying on Della’s example of faith and education are her children: Phyllis Bernard (Peter) of Elk Point SD, Lois Snethen of Springfield, SD, and Dan Snethen (Becky) of Crooks, SD; her 8 grandchildren: Andrew Bernard of Lincoln, NE, Samuel Bernard (Bridgett) of Jefferson, SD, Wendy Bernard-Muston (Nelson) of Watertown, SD, Heidi Burke (Joe) of Yankton, SD, David Hassing of Yankton, SD, Owen Snethen (Kalyn) of Yankton, SD, Duncan Snethen (fiancé Kate) of Vermillion, SD and Sullivan Snethen of Crooks, SD; and her 3 great grandchildren: Wesley and Charlotte Snethen of Yankton, SD and Alice Bernard-Hudson of Watertown, SD. Della is also survived by her siblings: Robert Covey of Wisconsin, Shirley Demers (Dennis) of Colome, SD, Gwen Ragsdale (Jack) of Texas; sister-in-Law, Vickie Covey of Pierre, SD; and many cousins, nieces and nephews and their families.