Erna G. Gallup, 92, died peacefully on Thursday, March 12th, in Belle Fourche, SD. A life-long resident of South Dakota, she was born in Aurora County on January 14. 1923 to Danish immigrants Juul and Inger Sorensen. She was the fourth of eight children growing up during the Great Depression. Her early days were spent on the farm in Plankinton. After graduation from Plankinton High School, she went on to college at Southern State College in Springfield. She moved to Redfield and established the Three Sisters Café with two friends, with the condition that she would never have to be the cook.

While at a post-war dance at the Redfield Pavilion, she met Clayton Gallup and went on to marry him on March 15, 1947 and had two daughters. Residing in Redfield for 55 years, she was actively involved in Messiah Lutheran Church and was Treasurer of the ladies aid group for over 40 years.

Erna worked at various places in Redfield, including the local Ford dealership, Redfield Livestock Sale Barn, Bryson Funeral Home, Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, and Norwest Bank. She enjoyed her family, family vacations, special friends and neighbors, and a good game of cards.

After moving to Spearfish she became involved in Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the Spearfish Senior Center and volunteering at High Plains Heritage Center. Erna and Clayton celebrated 67 years of marriage prior to Clayton's death in May of 2014.

She is survived by her brother, Elmer Sorensen of Plankinton; daughters Mary Jane (Stephen) Dawson of Morton Grove, IL and Elizabeth (Jim) Benning of Spearfish; grandchildren Marcus (Kathy) Schmidt, Erin (Danny) Banker, Anton Dawson, Mikhail Dawson, Heidi (Kelly) Wood, James (Jessica) Benning; and great-grandchildren Kristjan Oleson, Justin Banker, Carson Banker, Ashley Goracke and son Kohlter, Kurtis Wood, Kelsey Wood, Solomon Benning, Sadie Benning, and Seth Benning. She will also be missed by her nieces, nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spearfish. Memorials sent to Our Savior's Lutheran Church or to Hospice of the Northern Hills. Memorials in Erna's name may be sent to Our Savior's Lutheran Church or to Hospice of the Northern Hills, 1440 North Main Street, Spearfish, SD 57783. Her final resting place is Black Hills National Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be left at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com or mailed to 225 West Ohio, Spearfish, SD 57783.