Jessica "Jessie” Root
Jessica "Jessie" Root, age 90, of Midland, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at Scotchman Living Center in Philip.
Jessica Lee Livermore was born August 9, 1932, in Pierre, South Dakota the youngest child born to J. Ray and Agnes (Erickson) Livermore. Her early years were spent on the family home, two miles west of Van Metre. When Jessie was 6 years old, they moved to Stanley County for school purposes. Jessie attended Twin Butte School for five years prior to relocating to Midland to further her education. She was very active during her teenage years with multiple extra-curricular activities (basketball, newspaper, cheerleading, and drama) in addition to holding part time jobs including Hunt’s Hardware and Grocery Store. Following high school graduation in 1950, she enrolled into Presentation School of Nursing. She graduated with a diploma degree in 1953. Jessie worked two years as a staff nurse at the Lutheran Hospital and Home Society in Hot Springs, South Dakota.
Upon her fiancé’s return from the military in 1955, she married Dwayne S. Dale on August 6, 1955. They made their home on the Dale Ranch, northwest of Nowlin. While her family was young, she worked limited part-time in the Philip Hospital and Nursing Home. As her children grew, she became more involved at Philip Health Services eventually serving as Director of Nursing for 13 years. She served as a mentor to many nurses and nursing students instilling passion and desire to help people in their time of need. Dwayne passed away in March 1990, and she continued living on the Dale ranch. In August 1999 she married James S. Root. For nearly 20 years, Jessie and Jim spent four months on the year residing in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Together they enjoyed fellowship, fishing, music, dancing, and making many great friends on their adventures.
Jessie was an active and caring woman who spent most of her life thinking about others. For me it’s God, husband, family, and my work, in that order. You must keep things in their proper perspective. Jessie was a strong woman of faith and an active parishioner of Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland. During her time of fellowship, she served in every capacity with the church.
Survivors include her husband Jim Root of Philip; son Roger (Edna) Dale of Midland; daughter Brenda (Clint) Jensen of Midland; several grandchildren: Jonathan Jensen of Prior Lake, MN; Joshua Jensen of Midland; Amanda Massmann of Sioux Falls; Brandon Dale of Midland; Destiny Dale of Philip; Miranda Dale of Midland; and Mariah Dale of Dickinson, ND; and great-grandchildren: Jadyn Jensen of Murdo; Jacey Jensen of Murdo; Jennah Jensen of Prior Lake, MN; Kennedy Jensen of Prior Lake, MN; Mackenzie Massmann of Sioux Falls; Olivia Massmann of Sioux Falls; Watson Iwan of Philip; and Everett Marshall of Dickinson, ND; special friend Irene Hubbard of Gillette, WY; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Jessie was preceded in death by one daughter Eileen Kay Dale; her late husband Dwayne S. Dale; brother Raymond “Bud” Livermore; sisters Nina Finn and Lucille Severson Davis; brother-in-law Delmer Finn; and grandson Jared Lee Jensen.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 95 Midland, SD 57552.
Visitation was held 6-8 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 8 p.m. Sunday, October 30, at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 31, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland with Pastor Cindy Bisser officiating.
Interment followed at the Midland Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
