Valerie Gallagher

Valerie Gallagher, 66, of Faulkton and formerly of Pierre, went to join the Lord on the morning of Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Faulkton Healthcare Center.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Highmore, with Father John Short, celebrant.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Highmore.

Valerie was born on June 10, 1959, to Bill and Bev (Buzay) Gallagher in Pierre, South Dakota. She grew up on the family ranch south of Highmore alongside her two brothers, Bill Jr. and Thomas. During her childhood, Val helped with regular ranch chores, including caring for sheep, lambs, and bottle calves such as her favorite, Sweety Pie. It was here that her lifelong love of animals began.

Val attended Highmore Elementary School and later graduated from Highmore High School.  After graduation, Val lived in several communities as she developed her independence, including Miller, Rapid City, and Huron, before eventually settling in Pierre in the 1980s. Wherever Val lived, she worked hard and formed many friendships. She worked for a variety of businesses where she developed and perfected her skills as a typist.

In her free time, Val enjoyed swimming laps at the YMCA pool or relaxing in her apartment watching some of her favorite television programs, including Scooby-Doo and Little House on the Prairie. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, coloring, and reading.

During football season or Monday night wrestling, Val made sure that anyone visiting—especially the nieces and nephew she often babysat—watched the Green Bay Packers or WWE wrestling.

Val was a fiercely independent woman who took pride in having her own apartment and caring for herself. She was always willing to help her family whenever they needed her. She also had a playful side and was known to stir up a little mischief, especially when it came to her love of Diet Coke and candy.

For the past five years, Val called Faulkton Senior Living home. During that time, she became a favorite among the staff and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. She faithfully attended Catholic services and enjoyed regular visits from her nieces, great-nieces, and nephews.

Val is survived by her father, Bill Gallagher Sr.; her brothers, Bill Jr. (Karen) Gallagher and Thomas (Kay Ferraro) Gallagher; her sister-in-law, Bonnie (Lahren) Gallagher; her nieces, Renee (Malakai), Nerissa (Ron), Morgan (Cole), Hannah, and Destiny; and her nephew, Adam (Laurie); great-niece, Laney and four great-nephews, Emrich, Jax, Cooper and Heaton, who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Henry (Emrich) and Mary Buzay, and Will and Stella Gallagher; her mother, Bev (Buzay) Gallagher; her nephew, Andrew Gallagher; and several cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Val will be remembered for her independence, her love of animals, and the joy she found in life’s simple moments. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Valerie’s arrangements.