ST. LAWRENCE — Kayleen Fulton, 59, of St. Lawrence, passed away Monday, June 17, 2024, following her inspiring and courageous battle with cancer., while surrounded by her family at her home.
Her funeral service is 11 a.m., Monday, June 24, at the Miller Community Center. Burial will follow at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller. A prayer service is set for 4 p.m., Sunday, June 23, at the Miller Community Center.
Kayleen Lyrae (Wyly) Fulton was born May 15, 1965, in Pierre, to Mack and Karen (Small) Wyly. She grew up working on the family farm and ranch south of Fort Pierre and she graduated from Stanley County High School in 1983. After high school, Kayleen attended Northern State College where she received her teaching degree in December of 1986. She taught 4th grade at Buchanan Elementary in Pierre for eight years and Kayleen was very passionate about teaching and making a difference in her student’s lives.
After years of friendship, Kayleen married the love of her life, Paul Fulton, of Miller, on October 1, 1994. They were blessed with four children: Wyatt Paul, Dylan Wilson, Mackayln Rae, and Jenna Marie. Along with raising their kids, Kayleen spent many hours cooking meals for the Fulton Ranch crew. Once the kids started to rodeo, her time was also filled with long nights in the practice pen and supporting them at the rodeos with her camera ready. Although she was not raised in the rodeo world, she loved everything about it, especially the rodeo family.
Kayleen enjoyed being involved and creating activities, not only for her own but for all children in the community. As Wyatt started preschool, Kayleen, her close friend Chris Keeter, and other moms started the Miller MOPS Group. She was a contributor and advocate for the group until Jenna started elementary school.
While her kids were in grade school, she was one of the instigators of the Morning Walking Program and the Fun Field Day, both of which continue today. Wanting to create memories for her kids’ classes, Kayleen helped the kids make their own storybooks. After the passing of her son, she started the annual Dylan Fulton Memorial Halloween Party, where proceeds were donated to Hands of Hope, in his honor. Whenever Kayleen saw a need, she took action to help find a solution.
Outside of her children’s activities, she enjoyed and took pride in her landscaping and yard. Kayleen had an eye for fashion and a good bargain. She was always up for a good time, she especially loved attending concerts, the S.D. State Fair, sporting events, and shopping trips with her family and many friends.
Kayleen was loved by many because of her easy-to-love personality, a trait passed on to her children. She filled her days with her 5:30 a.m. workouts, making phone calls to family and friends, chasing kids, keeping up her beautiful home, and working on projects; the latest project was, designing their new shed.
Kayleen fought a hard fight since 2017 and, through it all, she never lost her incredible smile and unwavering positive attitude. Her grace and inspiration was seen and felt by all who knew her and even those who did not. Her faith was the foundation of her life and journey. She was a lifelong member of the Madison Avenue Church of Christ in Pierre.
All of Paul and Kayleen’s moments together were treasured. Their love was beautifully apparent and a great example for all who were lucky enough to be a part of their lives. Teasing and making each other laugh made their strong relationship what it was. They were each other’s best friend.
Kayleen is survived by her husband, Paul; son, Wyatt and his wife, Haley; daughter, Mackayln and her husband Caleb Brandt; and daughter, Jenna; parents, Mack and Karen Wyly; brother, Kyle (Anita) Wyly; sister, Tomi Kay (Jeff) Weinheimer; sister, Tracy (Jerrod) Henrich; in-laws, Annie Fulton, Mark and Susan Fulton, Lisa Fulton, Neil and Molly Fulton; aunts and uncles; 21 nieces and nephews; 11 great-nieces and nephews and a host of extended family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her beloved son, Dylan; Brandt angel grandbabies; brother-in-law, Brian Fulton; father-in-law, Tex Fulton; grandparents, Cliff and Eunice Small, and Wilson and Iva Wyly; aunts and uncles; and several close friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dylan Fulton Memorial Fund.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Kayleen’s arrangements.
www.familyfuneralhome.net