Joan Lillian (Uhrig) Russell-Sharp, 92 of Summerset, SD passed away on April 7, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Joan was born on July 28, 1933, in Paradise Flats, ND and as a young child, moved to Morristown, SD with her parents, Myron and Bertha (Bockorny) Uhrig and eleven siblings.

Joan met James E Russell, while cleaning for his sister in Morristown. They married in 1949, moved to Buffalo, SD and had seven children from this union.

Together, they owned and operated many businesses in Buffalo – Jim’s Place, Oasis, and the Russell House Steak House and Lounge – (1950-1984). In 1985 Joan moved to Spearfish and was the manager of the Cedar House.

In 1986, Joan went out on her own again, purchasing and operating the Hickory House in Belle Fourche, and returning to the Russell House, going back and forth from Buffalo to Belle Fourche, operating both businesses. She was well known for her recipes, her Russell House Tips, pies and baked goods. Restaurants in the area still use many of her recipes.

After selling the Hickory House, Joan moved to Gillette, WY and purchased The Arrowhead Motel, sold it and purchased and operated the American Motel. Later, she made her home in Summerset and worked at the cafeteria in the Rapid City Regional Hospital until 2020, working various positions, but mostly at the checkout counter. She was liked by all the hospital staff, and many would always take a minute to visit with her. In 2020, the pandemic took its toll on her, and she had to finally retire at the age of 87! Joan loved her family and her main goal was to be with them and take care of them. If any of her family needed help, she was always there for them.

Joan is survived by her children, Dwane (Lois) of Pierre, Darlene (John) Piekkola of Belle Fourche, Jim (Kari) of Sturgis, Rick (Donna) of Rapid City, Ron (Mary) of Spearfish, Roger (Penny) of Gillette, and Cindy Jorgenson of Spearfish; eighteen grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren; brothers Jim Uhrig of Pierre and Bill Uhrig of Sydney, NE.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband James; grandson Jory Russell; son-in-law, Jeff Jorgenson; sisters Elaine (Sis) O’Donnell, Shirlene (Tootie) Piekkola, Myra (Baby) Licking; and brothers Edmund (Ed), Henry (Hank), John, Alfred (Skeeze) and Marian (Mike) and Elton (Al).

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Our Lady of the Black Hills in Piedmont, SD with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at 1:00 PM at the Piedmont Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com