Surrounded by her loving family, Shirley Eddy, 82, passed away February 25, 2017, at Belle Fourche Healthcare Community.

Shirley was born on January 2, 1935, in Spearfish, SD, to Ed and Olive Schmidt. She grew up in Belle Fourche and graduated from high school in 1953 with a perfect attendance record for all twelve years. After graduating, she worked for the 1st National Bank in Belle Fourche.

It was a Friday night dance at the Spearfish Park Pavilion where she was swept off her feet by a handsome young farmer, Jim Eddy. They were married on May 27, 1956, at the Methodist Church in Belle Fourche. Jim's siblings soon became the brothers and sisters she never had, which always meant a lot to her. Jim and Shirley established their home on the Eddy family farm in Spearfish Valley where Shirley became a #1 mother and housekeeper. It was here they lived their entire married life.

Jim and Shirley were blessed with three children: Kathy in 1957, Todd in 1962, and Robert in 1972. Shirley believed motherhood to be her life's mission. She lived it through her dedication to her children and to their education, activities, and interests. She was an exceptional mother and we will miss not only her love and guidance, but also her bright blue eyes and dimpled smile.

After the children were all in school, Shirley worked for Black Hills Farm Mutual Insurance. For many years she also served as a Lawrence County election worker. She enjoyed being a part of various card clubs, the Lower Valley Extension Club, church activities, and looked forward to attending her class reunions. Shirley found pleasure in flower gardening, knitting, playing cards with family, and her Friday beauty shop appointments.

She was a natural hostess, as she always had the coffee pot on for neighbors, friends, and drop-ins. She was quick to provide food for community happenings, pot-lucks, crews of corn cutters, family gatherings, and church events. She was known for her chocolate sheet cakes and oodles of Christmas cookies, but especially for her delicious lemon pies.

Shirley was a strong Christian woman who was a long-standing member of the United Church of Christ. Although Jim loved singing in the church choir, his attempt to get Shirley to join him lasted a mere two months. She chose to serve in other various capacities.

Shirley was a great partner in marriage, a loving mother, and loyal friend.

Grateful to have shared her life are her husband of 60 years, Jim, Spearfish; her children, Kathy Eddy, Spearfish, Todd (Robin) Eddy, Rapid City, and Robert (Renae) Eddy, Rapid City; grandchildren, Travis (Lita) Eddy, Sundance, WY, Trenton, Ryan, Ansley and Tanner Eddy (all of Rapid City). She is also survived by in-laws Joan Ziemann, Spearfish; Mary Ann Eddy, Lead; Larry and Irene Eddy, Rapid City, and Kay Simons, Sturgis, and many close friends. Preceding her in death were her parents,Ed and Olive Schmidt, sister, Gladys, and her dear aunt, Carrie.

Services will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. at the United Church of Christ in Spearfish with Rev. Gordon Higgins officiating. Burial will follow at the Rose Hill Cemetery. A memorial has been established for the United Church of Christ.

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