Megan Ella DeWaard, 36, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 4th, 2021, at her home in Mitchell, SD, surrounded by her family. Megan was born on February 19th, 1985, in Omaha, Nebraska.

A time of remembrance, open to the public, will be held at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell, SD, on Friday, Nov. 12th from 1 to 4 pm. The family encourages attendees to wear pink in honor of Megan's favorite color and her radiant, cheerful personality.

The many people who were fortunate to know Megan will always cherish memories of her beautiful smile and contagious laugh. Megan was born with cockayne syndrome / trichothiodystrophy and marched to the beat of her own drum while the rest of us happily followed along. She was truly a pure soul who only saw joy and good in the world.

Megan spent her weekdays for the last 25 years at the same daycare, making her provider Patty Magnuson a dear friend to the family. When Megan needed a total hip replacement, the Magnusons actually built a wheelchair ramp to their front door just for Megan while she healed. She enjoyed her days with Patty, supervising the other kids and picking on Patty's husband Todd, whom she adored.

Megan loved to make others laugh and she was an expert at it. Those who knew Megan know very well that she kept a few tricks up her sleeve, like asking you to pull her finger, sticking her tongue out at you, calling you a moron, or asking if you wanted to see what was in her pocket, then showing you her middle finger. But, Megan also loved to hold hands, play with her mom and sister's long hair, give big hugs, and kiss guys on the cheek.

Holidays and birthdays were extra special for Megan, especially at her Grandma Mary's house. She looked forward to easter egg hunts and opening Christmas presents at Grandma's house every year. Her Grandma Mary even started a tradition years ago for Megan's birthday in which one of her gifts was always a box full of Pepsi bottles for how old Megan was turning that year — and grandma kept it going even when Megan reached her 30s! Megan would be so giggly and excited while her mom counted all the Pepsis for her.

With the love and support of many wonderful people, Megan got to live out her dreams and enjoy a beautiful life filled with joy and adventure. In 2000, she was granted her wish to meet the Atlanta Braves by the Make-a-Wish Foundation. She even sang 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' (one of her favorites) on-stage with Vince Gill and Amy Grant at a golf event. She also traveled to Texas and New York to meet other families and children living with her same condition.

Megan loved going to school growing up. She spent many days in the office of Superintendent Dr. Graves, wearing his suit jacket, pulling his tie, and making sure he got his work done. In 2006, Megan attended prom and graduated high school, at which point she said she was retired.

Megan started and ended all her days with a big smile (and a Pepsi). She loved to snuggle with her pink blankie and watch the Wizard of Oz. For her 32nd birthday all she wanted was to dye her hair bright pink — so pink it was!

Megan touched the lives countless people, and her incredibly special personality is impossible to capture in a simple obituary. Megan's family is grateful for the years we got to spend with her and the laughter she brought into our lives.

Megan was preceded in death by her loving grandfather LeRoy DeWaard, and her fluffy cat, Teddy.

She is survived by her devoted, loving parents, Angel and Doug DeWaard, as well as the following; her brother, Joshua (35) and wife Sierra DeWaard; little sister Emily DeWaard (25) and fiancé Mitch Crouse; her favorite pup Aria; Grandma Karen DeWaard; Grandma Mary and Sylvan Knutson; Grandpa Chuck Hansen; Grandma Iona Hansen; and Grandpa Art Steburg; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many loving friends.