Chana Mary Gottsleben

Chana Mary Gottsleben of Fort Collins, Colorado formerly of Philip, South Dakota, died on Sunday, August 4, 2019, as a result of a tragic car accident at the age of 27.

Chana was born on December 30, 1991, the first of three girls born to William “Bill” and Jayne Gottsleben of rural Philip.

Chana was a soft-spoken, quiet, kind, and sweet person with an adventurous spirit. She dearly loved her family. Her sisters accurately describe her as a model child. That trait followed with her into adulthood and translated into being well-grounded and humble with a terrific work ethic. 

Chana grew up learning how to work on the ranch/farm; whether it was helping with sheep and cattle work or driving tractors and equipment. She helped whereever needed. 

Chana began her education at Alfalfa Valley Rural School (grades K-7) near her home. She then attended Philip High School and graduated with the Class of 2010. She went on to receive her BA in Apparel Merchandising from South Dakota State University (SDSU) in Brookings, South Dakota. During her studies she spent a semester studying fashion at American InterContinental University in London, England. She did her Senior Internship in New York City, New York with a jewelry designer in the summer of 2013.

Activities and groups Chana took pride in were: Farmer’s Union Youth; where she was honored as a Torchbearer, on the Junior Advisory Council, and received the Friendship Award as a young adult. During her high school years FCCLA, Music, and Volleyball were a big part of her life. She was a member of the SDSU Color Guard – Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band and SDSU Merchandising Club.

Chana was employed as a Coordinator at TJ Maxx in Rapid City, South Dakota. She then transferred with the company to Fort Collins, Colorado in June 2018. It was there that she met the love of her life, Siva Chintala, who had much in common and shared her passion for travel and fashion.

At a young age, it was evident Chana loved fashion and wanted to live in a big city. Chana enjoyed traveling and worked hard to make her dreams a reality. In her young life she journeyed extensively throughout Europe and the United States.

Chana had many talents; she had a flair for decorating, was artistically creative, and had a way with written words. She enjoyed photography, shopping, and designing fashion accessories.

Survivors include her parents Bill and Jayne Gottsleben of Philip; two sisters Tara Gotts-leben and Tyana Gottsleben both of Philip; one paternal grandmother Myrna Gottsleben of Philip; one niece Hadley Gotts-leben of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather James “Jim” Gottsleben and her maternal grandparents, Donald “Don” and Genevieve “Genny” Gaik-owski.

Siva Chintala perished in the accident alongside Chana. 

Chana will remain forever young in our hearts.

A visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, with a prayer service that started at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 12, at the Philip High School Fine Arts Building.

Interment followed at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.