Christy Anne Stock, 70, passed away peacefully on April 11th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at the Howard Good Samaritan Society. A Memorial Service will be 10:30AM, Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Beach United Methodist Church in Howard. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Howard. Visitation will be 5PM to 7PM, Friday at the Willoughby Funeral Home. A luncheon will be served at the church following the committal service.
Christy was born in Brookings, South Dakota, where her parents, Otto “Duane” Stock and Lola Irene Stock, lived while Duane attended South Dakota State University. Her early childhood was spent in Howard, South Dakota, where she joyfully helped her parents and grandparents, Otto and Sophie Stock, on the family farm. Those years formed the foundation of her deep love for family, hard work, and community—values that stayed with her throughout her life.
In 1971, during Christy’s high school years, the family moved to Salina, Kansas, to be closer to Lola’s parents. She graduated from Salina South High School in 1974, and shortly after, began what would become a successful lifelong career in banking when she moved to Marshall, Minnesota.
Christy’s dedication and talent soon opened new doors. She accepted an exceptional opportunity with a bank in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she continued to grow professionally and personally. After several years, she took on a new challenge with Intercept, a startup company in Fargo, North Dakota. There she served as the COO of Operations, leading with strength, empathy, and wisdom until her retirement in 2019. During these years, Christy also played a vital and loving role as the primary caregiver for both of her parents in their later years, one of the many examples of her selflessness and devotion.
Together with her brother Bill, Christy had purchased the original family farmstead in Howard. As retirement approached, Christy felt a strong pull back to her roots. She built a beautiful home there, fulfilling her dream of returning to the community that had always held her heart. In 2019, she moved back to Howard full time and quickly became an active and beloved presence in the community.
Christy poured her energy and talents into serving others. She was a dedicated member of Beach United Methodist Church, where she served on the United Women of Faith Council and helped with community meals and countless church activities. She held a board position with the Miner County Museum and played a significant role in its expansion to a new location.
Her generous spirit reached many corners of the community:
• She quilted donation quilts through the Bethany Lutheran Church quilt club, offering comfort to churches and organizations in need.
• She supported the Beach Bucket program, helping provide essential items for community members facing hardship.
• She faithfully attended Howard Industrial Board meetings.
• She served as secretary for the Adams Township Board, carefully maintaining meeting minutes and supporting local governance.
Above all her accomplishments, Christy treasured her family. She shared a deep and special bond with her nephews and her great nieces and nephews, celebrating their milestones, cheering them on, and loving them fiercely.
Christy is survived by her devoted family: her sister and brothers—Shari Gillund of Overland Park, KS; Paul (Marcia) Stock of Salina, KS; and William (Becky) Stock of Scottsdale, AZ; her nephews Jeremy (Holly) Gillund, Troy (Jayme) Gillund, and Levi (Madison) Stock; and seven great nieces and nephews—Austin, Paige, Payton, Addison, and Wyatt Gillund, and Ella and James Stock.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto “Duane” Stock and Lola Irene Stock, and her nephew, Joshua Stock.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beach United Methodist Church, 205 N Pleasant St, Howard, South Dakota 57349, or the Miner County Historical Society/Rural Life Museum, PO Box 245, Howard, SD 57349
