Shirley Gadd
August 3, 1942 ~ May 18, 2024
Shirley Ann Gadd, 81, of Highmore, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family, after a brief battle with leukemia.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Luze Funeral Home, Highmore. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Highmore Cemetery.
Shirley Ann Smith was born August 3, 1942, in Miller, South Dakota to Charles and Charlotte (Carl) Smith. She was one of three children. She grew up on the family farm north of St. Lawrence, beginning her lifelong love of animals, including a Shetland pony; she was never without a furry friend by her side.
Shirley graduated from Miller High School in 1960. Following her graduation, she began working at the First National Bank in Miller. She was united in marriage to Calvin Lewis Gadd of Highmore, South Dakota on January 15, 1965. To this union, one daughter and one son were born. Upon their marriage, she transferred to First National Bank at the Highmore Branch, which later became First State Bank. Shirley was highly regarded by her customers for many years and was missed by the community when she retired on October 31, 2018, at the age of 76.
Shirley was well known for her selflessness, impacting others without expectation or recognition. You could often find her refurbishing something to give it new life, gardening, sewing, doing patchwork, quilting, baking, more specifically her homemade pies, spreading her great humor, or spending time with her family. Fishing was also a favorite pastime of Shirley’s, something she enjoyed with her family from a young age and continued throughout her life. It wasn’t unusual to see her out at the family stock dam, teaching grandkids how to bait a hook. Her family was her pride and joy.
Grateful to have shared in her life is her brother, John (Janice) Smith of St. Lawrence, children: Michelle Reed, Highmore and Michael (Danette) Gadd, Rapid City; nephew, Craig (Sarah) Smith, Blackhawk and their children: Elsie, Ethan, and Eric; niece, Kelly (Bill) Moncur, Pottsboro, TX; grandchildren: Heidi (Trevor) Forgey, Karie (Josh) Schmitt, Cody Reed, Nolan Gadd, and Mary Reed; great grandchildren: Jeyda and Samara Schmitt; and friend, Brad Erickson.
Preceding in her death were her parents: Charles and Charlotte Smith; sister, Marion “Babe” Rieb; husband, Calvin Gadd; and granddaughter, Rachel.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Shirley's arrangements.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
My sincere sympathy to the family of Shirley Gadd.🙏🙏
I enjoyed working with her in The First National Bank in the middle ‘60’s.
Oh Shirleybird… you will be so missed!
Not only did I learn a lot from you but we have so many laughs as well.
Being trained at the bank by you is something I will never ever forget.
You always had my back and made sure I was feeling okay.
Miss you already… BooYah Gramma💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
Shirley was a friend to us. She helped out my mom at the bank for years. She was consistent, compassionate and knowledgeable. And she always smiled! I will miss seeing her around town. My favorite memory of Shirley is from many years ago when she cooked a steak for Jan and I for dinner. Those were the days! JJ and LV
So sorry to hear this! Shirley was one of the best humans I ever met and also had the pleasure of working with.
So sorry to hear this! Shirley was one of the best humans I've ever met and also had the pleasure of having worked with
And another of the elders in our family is gone. She was a precious jewel. Family gatherings just won't be the same. She was beautiful inside and out and her absence will not go unnoticed. I know she would not want a fuss and expect us all to carry on. My heart goes out to all of you. Heaven has gained another angel. I am sure mom had a place set at the table and was right there to welcome her in to heaven.
First of all, I would just like to say that nobody rocked white hair like Shirley! Always looked nice! Have memories of her from the bank and as a family member and friend. Shirley, you will be missed! You will be remembered!
Oh Shirley my friend I will miss you dearly! At the age of 15 years old you were my guiding light at the Bank. You were my trainer and friend. You were not only my trainer but also part of our family in many ways. Cal was my Uncle Raymond’s best friend. The stories and memories we shared over the years were so fun to relive. Shirley was one of the kindest and helpful ladies I knew. When I moved back home at the age of 66 years old we went to lunch together and called to keep in touch with one another. You will always have a place in my heart. I know you were greeted by Cal and the gang of fishermen/card players that hanged out around your table. Mom and Dad I’m sure where there also. Glad you are finally at rest and no more pain. My prayers go out to the Mike and Michelle and the grandkids. Your Mom was one of a kind!!
So sorry Gadd family for your loss. Growing up the Gadd family were close and good neighbors. I always had a smile seeing Shirley in the bank. You have my sincerest condolences.
So sorry to hear the passing of Shirley. She trained me at the bank when I first started with Quoin. We enjoyed many laughs and quite a few bags of popcorn over the years that I worked there. She will be missed, I always enjoyed seeing and visiting with her.
What beautiful memories I have of you, dear Shirley. Always a smile and always an elegant lady. She was the embodiment of style, compassion and genuine heartfelt concern for others. You’ve raised the bar pretty high for all of us. May we follow your example. To Shirley’s family—May our GOD wrap His arms of comfort and peace around you in the coming days. Cynthia Sampson
Sympathy to Shirley's family. She was one of kind and as others have said, beautiful inside and out. I will miss visiting with her about town.
Sympathy,
Carrie, Jim, Carson & Carly Stephenson
A beautiful lady, inside and out. Prayers!
Shirley was one of the hardest working, dependable, sweetest people, I have had the pleasure of working with, always enjoyed visiting with her after her retirement, she will be truly missed. Rest in Peace Dear Friend.
Beautiful person. I remember vividly the first day I saw her Freshman class Miller. I thought she was so beautiful and seemed unaware of her beauty. My sympathy A beautiful memory for all who knew her
Shirley was always so nice and helpful at the bank. Always a smile. I will miss her.
Shirley was very special to my Mom and Dad, Fern Matre Droz and Charles. She was special to all of the Matres as you know. What a lovely lady. Bless your family.
Shirley was a wonderful person. She taught me several life lessons that affect me today. I enjoyed working with her at the bank as well.