Louise Mary Kasson Smock, 86, Spearfish, SD died Friday, February 11, 2011 in Spearfish, SD at the Spearfish Regional Hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 2:30pm at the Matthew's Opera House in Spearfish, SD. Memorials have been established to the group of your choice or Matthew's Opera House, the Humane Society, Literacy Council,Western High Plains Heritage Center or the Spearfish Hospital Auxiliary.

Louise was born January 1, 1925 in North Loop, Nebraska to Russell and Marie (Bussell) Kasson. After graduating from high school in Effingham, Kansas, Louise worked as a secretary at Ft. Riley Army Post in Kansas. Louise also danced with USO shows at that time. She married the Love of her Life, Lt. Richard T. Smock on January 23, 1948 in Ft. Riley, Kansas. They had a wonderful life together as an Army couple. Louise loved to go to post dances and Richard loved to go to Western movies – they compromised. Louise and Richard managed to produce one child, Elizabeth-Marie Hoodie Smock. Richard was killed on January 18, 1951 during the Korean Conflict.

After Richard's death Louise moved to Spearfish, SD where her parents were living. She started attending Black Hills State College and pursued her life long love for learning. After completing several majors she graduated in 1959 with a BS in Speech and Theatre Arts and in 1960 with a BS in Education. As a student, she was active in theatre, cheerleading and dancing. Dr. Russell Jonas asked her to join the faculty in 1959 and she retired in 1992. He promised her she could take classes while she taught. So she decided to become gainfully employed. She loved working with students, loved teaching and loved her life. During this time she also completed a Masters program at the University of Arizona.

Louise's teaching career included teaching Business, English and Physical Education - teaching dance, swimming, elementary techniques - you name it, she probably taught it. There are several generations of BH alums who will credit their dancing ability to Louise's instruction. They always had a good time learning in her classes. In 1996 she was inducted into the Hall of Fame -.Athletics. Other University honor's included Emeritus Faculty, Distinguished Faculty, Special Service Award, and Excellence in Education Award. She also taught in Guam. Despite a fear of flying, she wanted her daughter to see the world and together they had many adventures.

Louise was active in the community with the Matthew's Opera House, Western High Plains Heritage Center, Spearfish Regional Hospital Auxiliary, Literacy Council, and many other community activities. She had a passion for animal welfare and rights and therefore supported the local the Humane Society. Louise acted, directed, choreographed and worked like crazy to help get Matthew's Opera House renovated. She was part of a passionate group of players who started the melodrama at Matthew'sOpera House and went on the road to Rockerville, SD. Performing in a huge tent all summer.

During the summer of 2010, Louise directed a Vintage Fashion Show at Matthew's Opera House. She used many of her own clothes and as she said she was`pretty vintage" herself, She persuaded her daughter to help MC the show and sing with a former student and friend, Michael Pangburn. Michael could never say no to Louise. She persuaded her friends to look through their closets and bring their finest vintage clothing. It was wonderful going down memory lane with Louise.

Louise had a passion for cooking, loved reading recipe books and cooking for her friends. She was an avid shopper and loved helping her friends choose just the right wardrobe. She always had an opinion on any subject and was more than happy to share. She was a lot of fun.

Her daughter, Hoodie, of Spearfish, Keke the wonder dog, extended family and an incredible group of friends, survives her. Her parents, her husband and three siblings preceded her in death.