HIGHMORE, SD – Shirley Ann Gadd, 81, of Highmore, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family, after a brief battle with leukemia.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Luze Funeral Home, Highmore. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Highmore Cemetery.

Shirley Ann Smith was born August 3, 1942, in Miller, South Dakota to Charles and Charlotte (Carl) Smith. She was one of three children. She grew up on the family farm north of St. Lawrence, beginning her lifelong love of animals, including a Shetland pony; she was never without a furry friend by her side.

Shirley graduated from Miller High School in 1960. Following her graduation, she began working at the First National Bank in Miller. She was united in marriage to Calvin Lewis Gadd of Highmore, South Dakota on January 15, 1965. To this union, one daughter and one son were born. Upon their marriage, she transferred to First National Bank at the Highmore Branch, which later became First State Bank. Shirley was highly regarded by her customers for many years and was missed by the community when she retired on October 31, 2018, at the age of 76.

Shirley was well known for her selflessness, impacting others without expectation or recognition. You could often find her refurbishing something to give it new life, gardening, sewing, doing patchwork, quilting, baking, more specifically her homemade pies, spreading her great humor, or spending time with her family. Fishing was also a favorite pastime of Shirley’s, something she enjoyed with her family from a young age and continued throughout her life. It wasn’t unusual to see her out at the family stock dam, teaching grandkids how to bait a hook. Her family was her pride and joy.

Grateful to have shared in her life is her brother, John (Janice) Smith of St. Lawrence, children: Michelle Reed, Highmore and Michael (Danette) Gadd, Rapid City; nephew, Craig (Sarah) Smith, Blackhawk and their children: Elsie, Ethan, and Eric; niece, Kelly (Bill) Moncur, Pottsboro, TX; grandchildren: Heidi (Trevor) Forgey, Karie (Josh) Schmitt, Cody Reed, Nolan Gadd, and Mary Reed; great grandchildren: Jeyda and Samara Schmitt; and friend, Brad Erickson.

Preceding in her death were her parents: Charles and Charlotte Smith; sister, Marion “Babe” Rieb; husband, Calvin Gadd; and granddaughter, Rachel.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Shirley’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

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