Shirley Skjonsberg 1935-2013

Shirley Skjonsberg, 77, of Mitchell, S.D. died Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013 at Avera Brady Health and Rehab.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 8, at the Bittner Funeral Chapel, with burial in Graceland Cemetery, Mitchell.

Shirley Mae (Niles) Skjonsberg was born May 7, 1935 to Lawrence and Christine (Stave) Aadland in Veblen, S.D. Shirley married Don Niles and later Burton Skjonsberg.

Throughout her life Shirley was employed as a waitress and ranch hand, but considered raising her daughters to be her greatest achievement.

Being an animal lover, Shirley spent much of her life caring for her horses as well as numerous other critters. She was an avid garage sale enthusiast and her girls have many treasures to prove it.

Shirley’s resourcefulness was apparent every time she made something out of nothing. Shirley’s work ethic and resilience served as a role model for her girls.

Shirley is survived by her daughters: LaDonna Hesby, Hetland; Brenda (George) Schulte, Alexandria; Sherry (Wade) Schrank, Salem; Heidi (Greg) Bailey, Shannon Lundquist (Shannon Larson), Shaun (Mike) Fox, all of Mitchell; and step-daughter, Diane (Mike) Currence, Sisseton. She is also survived by four sisters, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews; and her best friend, Francis Carmody, Wessington.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Don Niles and Burton Skjonsberg; a brother, Dennis; son-in-law, George Campbell; grandson, Blaise Bailey; two brothers-in-law, one nephew, and two infant siblings.