Robin Leslie Eddy (Schmit), 68-year-old resident of Deadwood, South Dakota, peacefully passed away on May 21, 2026, after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s.

Born on April 19, 1958, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Robin was the daughter of Donald and Gloria Schmit. Shortly after her birth, the family relocated to Lead, where Donald worked at the Homestake Gold Mine.

Robin attended elementary, middle, and high school in Lead, South Dakota. She excelled in creative pursuits. Cooking and sewing were her lifelong passions. She graduated from Lead High School in 1976. Immediately after graduation, Robin married her high school sweetheart, Richard Eddy, and accompanied him as he embarked on his Air Force career. Their first assignment was in Omaha, Nebraska, where she quickly formed close friendships that endure to this day and embraced the challenging role of a military spouse. In October 1978, their daughter, Erin, was born. The family then moved from Omaha to Colorado Springs in 1979. Robin adeptly balanced her career and family responsibilities during this period. In July 1980, while residing in Colorado, their second daughter, Kerri, was born. Shortly thereafter, the family relocated to Tucson, Arizona.

In 1984, Robin’s life took a significant turn when they were assigned to San Vito, Italy. Living on a tight budget, she embraced the local culture and markets, where she would take the girls on shopping trips to buy fresh produce. Imagine Robin and two little American blond girls strolling through the streets of charming Italian towns, armloads of goods in hand, while the local “Nonnas” admired and ran their fingers through their hair. In 1987, the family embarked on the assignment of a lifetime to Germany. Once again, she adapted to a new cultural setting and way of life. In Germany, Robin became actively involved in various base activities and groups. As a Girl Scout leader, she took on all-consuming duties, including being the “cookie coordinator.” This meant her small apartment was filled with Girl Scout cookies that needed to be delivered around Sembach AFB. While living in Germany, Robin enjoyed experiencing Oktoberfests, holiday markets, and the vibrant spring flowers of Fruhlingfest. Germany was an incredible experience for the entire family.

In 1990, Robin returned to the United States and settled in Denver, Colorado. Where she began her career in government service. As a Government Civilian she worked as a human resources specialist and executive secretary. In 1994, Robin’s sister passed away, and our nephew Chris came to live with us, becoming our son in every way. Her creativity was reignited and her passion for crafts reemerged as she started creating beautiful stained glass art pieces that are truly keepsakes for anyone fortunate enough to have been gifted one. She was also active with the Red Cross, volunteering in emergency preparedness.

The girls are now embarking on their own journeys, while Chris is off to serve in the Army. Grandkids start to come into her life and work impeded on “Gramma Time”. In 2011 she decided to take her delayed retirement to chase after her grandkids in various locations, including Hawaii, Germany, Minnesota, and all over Colorado softball fields. Her heart belonged to small children and the elderly. She never missed an opportunity to engage in conversations, play, and entertain them whenever she could.

Robin is survived by her husband of 50 years, Rich, in Deadwood, South Dakota. Her daughter, Erin Eddy, resides in Deadwood as well. Her daughter, Kerri Wenke, and her husband, Ryan, are in Aurora, Colorado. Her son, Chris Schmit, and his wife Emily, are in Goodhue, Minnesota. Robin cherished her grandkids—Joshua, Eddy, Haylie, Reagan, Alana, Skylar, Brayden, Ashton, Everly, Grace, Penelope, Rider, and Riley—and she is incredibly proud of each and every one of them.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 23, 2026, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lead. Following her service, please join us at the Sawyer Memorial Park building located off Hwy 385 on Brownsville Road. Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery. 

Arrangements are under the care of Lead-Deadwood Funeral Chapel of Lead & Isburg Crematory of Spearfish.