Shirley Marie Petree (Krauser), lovingly known to nearly everyone who knew her as “Nene,” passed away peacefully at the beautiful age of 96, held in the embrace of family, feeling safe, deeply loved, and at rest. Born on October 6th 1929, in Sturgis, South Dakota, Shirley’s early years shaped who she became: resilient, humble, strong, and compassionate.

Shirley was the proud mother of ten children—names she rattled off joyfully throughout her life: Ronny, Donny, Johnny, Bobby, Jimmy, Judy, Debbie, Mary, Herby, and Eddy. Raising such a large family required creativity, patience, and a sense of humor, all of which she possessed in abundance.

After her children were grown, her son Herb encouraged her to learn to drive and get her license, a milestone that opened a new joy filled chapter of independence and adventure. She soon earned the nickname “The Tumbleweed,” as she traveled across the country visiting the many dear friends she cherished. Shirley formed lifelong friendships wherever she went and lovingly cared for many of those friends in their final days. Her loyalty and compassion were gifts she gave freely.

To her grandchildren, Nene was magic. She filled their childhoods with memories that will last forever. The smell of freshly baked “Nene bread,” making paper dolls with cutouts from old catalogs, learning to crochet at her side, making sock puppets, filling giant coloring pads with drawings she kept for decades as treasured mementos of their childhood artwork, and countless hikes in the Black Hills. She loved taking her grandchildren on hikes. She passed down her love for nature, adventure, and her appreciation for God’s creations. She encouraged them to collect rocks and sticks and marvel at the beauty around them. When the kids gathered more treasures than they could carry, she happily tucked them into her backpack. Material possessions meant very little to her, but she adored her collections of bugs and rocks, and if you ever thumbed through her books you were sure to find dried flowers or leaves pressed between the pages. She found beauty in small things and made those small things seem like wealth.

Shirley loved playing Scrabble and enjoyed the challenge of a good game. Her intelligence and quick wit made her a formidable and entertaining opponent. Her humor remained sharp throughout her entire life; she had a sparkle in her eye and a sarcastic, perfectly timed sense of humor that brought joy and laughter to her family to the very end.

One of the most special treasures in her home was her favorite photograph, an image of her grandson, Joshua, wearing his little cowboy boots and hat as he walked down the street. She pointed it out with pride to every visitor. Joshua preceded her in death and held a permanently tender place in her heart.

Shirley lived independently until the age of 95 and embraced life more fully with each passing year, with a joyful spirit that never faded. In recent years, she checked off a list of many adventures she had never experienced: she took her first motorcycle ride, lit off fireworks for the first time, danced, sang, laughed, enjoyed pedicures, took silly pictures, went for late night rides to see the northern lights, and shared heartfelt stories from her long and beautiful life. She remained radiant until the very end.

She will be remembered for her strength, her kindness, her humor, and the simple, profound love she poured into her family and friends. Her legacy is one of joy, kindness, goodness, adventure, devotion, wide-open appreciation for God’s creations, and a deep love for her family.

Shirley’s spirit will forever live on in the stories her family will tell for generations, and in the hearts of all who were blessed to call her family or friend.

She will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

Shirley is survived by her sons: Jim (Joanne), Herb (Caryn), Ed (Tammy); daughters: Judy (Roger) Deb, and Mary; and a multitude of grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids.

She was preceded in death by sons: Ron, Donnie, John and Bob, son-in-law: AJ; and Grandchildren: Joshua, Chance, Rita, and Shannon.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later time when family and friends are able to travel and gather together to share memories and stories, to celebrate her beautiful life, and to honor her legacy.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel of Sundance. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com