Shirley Mary Ridgway of Beulah, WY, was born on February 27, 1938, in their country home in Wagner, SD, daughter of Albert, Sr. and Pearl (Bradley). She passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 5th, at Monument Health Hospital in Spearfish, SD.

Shirley attended rural elementary school in the Wagner vicinity. She graduated from Ravinia High School in 1956. She and her sister, Deanna, attended night school, as well as summer school, to earn their bachelor’s degree in Elementary education. They both graduated from Southern State College in August of1969, in Springfield, SD.

She taught at Ree Country School, where her students included her younger brother, Junior. She later continued her teaching in the Ravinia and Wagner Community Schools for elementary students, the highlight was teaching science to fifth graders.

Shirley and Deanna, both retired in May of 2000. Shirley dedicated forty-five years to teaching in the community. After retirement they moved to Beulah, WY and spent their summers enjoying their cabin at Iron Creek Lake.

Shirley will be remembered for the love and devotion she showed in caring for her parents as they retired from their farm near Marty Mission. She loved horseback riding in her early years, particularly in Jackson. A life-long animal lover, she devoted many years to caring for numerous stray dogs she welcomed into their home. In later years, she found love and joy in tending cats and kittens, both indoors and outside. Most recently, Sebastian was her cherished companion, lovingly nicknamed “Little Man.” Among the memories she leaves with family and friends are her exceptional peach pies and homemade raisin bread, served warm and fresh from the oven. She also found joy in embroidering dish towels and pillowcases for those she loved.

Shirley was a devout Catholic, member of the Altar Society and attended St. John’s Catholic Church in Wagner, SD, and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish.

Grateful for having shared her life are her brother, Edward Ridgway and wife, Sharon, of Mitchell SD; Elden Ridgway formerly of Ravinia, SD; and sister-in-law, Barbara Ridgway, of Aladdin, WY and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Ridgway, Sr., Pearl (Bradley) Ridgway; siblings Bobby, Deanna, and an infant sister; nephew Allen, niece Jody, godson Randy Klein, sister-in-law Mary Ann, and youngest brother, Albert (Jr).

Celebration of Life will be at 1 p.m. on February 21st, 2026 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish, SD. Mass of Christian will be at 10:00 a.m. on March 14th, 2026 St John’s Catholic Church, in Wagner, SD.

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