May 19, 1954 - January 31, 2023 

Ellen Mae Heafner, 68, of Hot Springs, S.D., joined her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Ellen was born on May 19, 1954 in Mitchell, S.D., to Roy and Ardith McKown. The family lived in various towns in South  Dakota before settling in Edgemont, where Ellen graduated high school in 1972. She married Monte Kubo and they had two sons, Ryan and Shawn. 

After short periods of time living in Spearfish, S.D., Sheridan, Wyo., and Riverside, Cali., Ellen moved to her home in Hot Springs where she married Charles Heafner. Ellen then started her career in real estate, working at Wyatt’s Real Estate and at Century 21. It was here she flourished as a real estate agent. Ellen was an avid supporter of Bison sports, an active member at the United Churches, and a pillar in the community.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Roy and Ardith McKown; her husband of 34 years, Charlie (Ole What’s-his-Name); and brother, Marlin. She is survived by her son, Ryan (Yvonne) Kubo, grandchildren, Kennedy and Logan; son, Shawn (Alicia) Kubo, grandchildren, Lola and Gunnar; stepdaughter, Annette Badger, grandchildren, Chuck, Tory, and Grace; stepson, Dwayne Heafner, grandchildren, Alexandra, Addison, and Christian; brother, Michael McKown; sisters, Barbara (Randy) Barkley and Judith (Art) Licht, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Each one will dearly miss Ellen and her quick wit.

A celebration of life was held at Chamberlain-McColley’s Funeral Home on February 4, 2023. Burial service was held at the Black Hills National Cemetery February 6, 2023. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ardith McKown Nursing Scholarship through South Dakota State University. https://www.sdstatefoundation.org/ is the online link. Those who chose the option would simply click on “Give Now” hyperlink near the top-right of the homepage and follow the step- by-step instructions. For those who give online, they should type in “Other” in the Designation box, which should open a comment box; within that box, type in “Ardith McKown Nursing Scholarship” to ensure the memorial gift is credited to the proper account.

Memorial gifts that are sent via mail service should also be designated for the Ardith McKown Nursing Scholarship, and should be addressed to:

SDSU Foundation - 815 Medary Ave/Lohr Building, Brookings S,D, 57006

Arrangemnents have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, S.D.