Carolyn Fay Davis, Longtime Rapid City Resident, Dies at 80

Carolyn was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved the outdoors and classic cars.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:55am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm tones depicting the blurred silhouette of a classic car parked in a driveway, with lush greenery and flowers in the foreground, conceptually representing the peaceful, nature-filled lifestyle of Carolyn Fay Davis.The vibrant outdoor hobbies and home beautification efforts of longtime Rapid City resident Carolyn Fay Davis are fondly remembered.Kearney Today

Carolyn Fay Davis, a longtime resident of Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away at her home on December 14, 2025 at the age of 80. Carolyn was born in Toledo, Ohio in 1945 to Clarence Pankowski (Palmer) and Verna Ridenour. She later moved to Nebraska where she had her first daughter, Priscilla, before relocating to Rapid City and marrying the love of her life, Charles Davis, with whom she had another daughter, Pamala. Carolyn was an avid outdoorswoman who enjoyed snowmobiling, classic cars, and landscaping her properties.

Why it matters

Carolyn's obituary highlights the life of a devoted family woman who was deeply rooted in her Rapid City community. Her passion for the outdoors, classic cars, and home beautification reflect the values and interests of many longtime residents of the Black Hills region.

The details

Carolyn and her husband Charles shared a love of the outdoors, snowmobiling, and classic cars. They were active members of local car clubs and raced at the Black Hills Speedway. Carolyn also had a green thumb, spending time landscaping and planting flowers to beautify their various properties over the years.

  • Carolyn was born on August 21, 1945 in Toledo, Ohio.
  • In 1973, Carolyn had her first daughter, Priscilla, in Nebraska.
  • Carolyn later moved to Rapid City, South Dakota where she met and married Charles Davis in the 1970s.
  • Carolyn and Charles' daughter Pamala was born in 1980.
  • Carolyn passed away at her home in Rapid City on December 14, 2025 at the age of 80.

The players

Carolyn Fay Davis

An 80-year-old longtime resident of Rapid City, South Dakota who passed away in December 2025. Carolyn was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved the outdoors, classic cars, and landscaping.

Charles Davis

Carolyn's husband of many years with whom she shared a love of snowmobiling, classic cars, and racing. Charles owned a long-time construction business called Midwestern Ditching.

Priscilla Palmer

Carolyn's daughter from her first marriage, who lived in Nebraska.

Pamala Thompson

Carolyn and Charles' daughter who lived in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Mary Schaub

Carolyn's sister who lived in Kearney, Nebraska.

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The takeaway

Carolyn Fay Davis lived a full life in Rapid City, South Dakota, surrounded by her loving family and pursuing her passions for the outdoors, classic cars, and home beautification. Her obituary highlights the values and interests of many longtime residents of the Black Hills region.