Shirley Ann Donahue, 82, of Spearfish, SD passed away peacefully on All Saints Day, Tuesday, November 1, 2011, at the David M. Dorsett Healthcare Center after a courageous
ten-year struggle with chronic health problems.

Shirley was born August 3, 1929 to Steidl and Mildred (Gabler) Stewart in Cresbard, SD. She grew up in Cresbard, SD and graduated from Cresbard High School in 1947. She attended college at South Dakota State University in Brookings and later in 1968 received her teaching degree from Black Hills State College.

Shirley married Robert E. Donahue on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1951. Bob and Shirley had three children, Kelly, Katie and Michael.

Shirley was known by many as their "favorite" teacher. She was awarded the Teacher of the Year by the Pierre School District. She taught school in Miller, Edgemont and finally in Pierre where she was a kindergarten and 5th grade teacher for 23 years. Her teaching talent was legendary. She had an innate ability to understand the individual needs of each child and teach to those needs. Prior to her teaching career, Shirley worked as a dental assistant in Rapid City and owned and operated the Butterfield Grocery.

Shirley loved life. She loved dancing, reading, fashion, fishing, hunting, the color blue, Sinatra's music, children, cherry pie and ice cream and most of all her family and her country. She was an avid volunteer after she retired from teaching in 1990. Her volunteerism earned her many honors including the Pierre Chamber Volunteer of the Year, the Kids Voting Volunteer Award and many more. She was a member of the First Congregation Church and a lifelong member of the VFW Auxillary.

Shirley was a devoted mother who provided her children friendship, a moral compass and unconditional love. She offered loyal friendship to those she called friend and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Her grandson Stewart especially remembers her sense of humor and adventure. She was adored by her family and friends and will be deeply missed.

Shirley is survived by her three children, Kelly (Jerry) Wheeler, Custer; Kathleen (Jim) Hood, Spearfish and Mike (Sandy) Donahue, Spearfish; three grandchildren Stewart (Michaela) Hood, Mick Donahue, and Maggie Donahue; two great-grandchildren; sister Mary (Richard) Mallett; several favorite nieces and nephews and cousins and long time companion Bill Engels of Pierre. She is also survived by her four "granddogs" Gracie, Lily, Bella and Teddy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and one sister and former husband Robert Donahue.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at the United Church of Christ in Spearfish. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Kathleen Hood Elementary Education Scholarship Fund at Black Hills State University.