Shirley J. Steele, 89, of Rapid City, peacefully went home to the Lord on Wednesday, May 11, 2016.

Shirley Jean Lawyer was born February 15, 1927 to Elmer and Helen (Hrdlicka) Lawyer in Armour, SD. Shirley was raised on the family farm in Charles Mix County, SD. She attended school in Ravinia, SD and graduated from Lake Andes High School in May 1945. After high school Shirley went on to attend Southern State College in Springfield, SD receiving her teaching certificate. She taught at Goose Lake Township country school. Shirley met the love of her life, Lealand E. Steele the summer of 1944, while working at the Sam Steele residence as a house keeper. Shirley Lawyer married Lealand Steele August 27, 1945 at the First Presbyterian Church in Rapid City, SD. They farmed for many years in Charles Mix County, until February of 1956 when they decided to sell their farm and head west to Rapid City. Loading up their grain truck with their belongings and 4 children moved to Rapid City, SD. Where they purchased a two bedroom home and later remodeled it adding another bedroom and family room and having two more children. Shirley worked at Kresge's, JC Penny's, K-Mart and 18 years for Rapid City Stevens High School Cafeteria retiring November 12, 1987.

She enjoyed playing cards and dice games with the grandchildren, and several days weekly with her card buddy and son Gary and her friends Jeanette and Patty. She enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, visits from family and friends, card parties, and watching her game shows. Her favorite hobby was crocheting fancy doilies Easter baskets and christening outfits for her grandchildren.

Together Shirley and Lealand had 6 children, Leajean Steele (Rapid City), Eileen (Kenneth) Nelson (FL), Marvin (Debbie) Steele (CO), Gary (Kathy) Steele (Rapid City), Pamela Steele (Rapid City), and Donald (Melody Jensen) Steele (Box Elder). 21 Grandchildren: Shelly Vaughn-Bartschi (CO), Tina Vaughn-Risseeuw ( KS), Terrence Broadley (Rapid City), Crystal Nelson (Chris) Perez, (FL) Charity Nelson (Darrel) Cole (FL) Jamie Nelson, Tiffany and Christopher (Morgan) Steele (CO), Corky Steele (CO) Pamela Steele (Michael) Shorb (Rapid City), Amber Steele (Danny) Kemp (Rapid City), Jerry Chytka (MT), Tracey Chytka (Charles) Hopkins (Lake Andes) Amy (Kyle Tanasse)Chytka (MT), Cody Buck (Rapid City), Samuel Steele (Rapid City), Christina Steele (Frank) Lushier (AZ) Jennifer Steele (Kelly) Aldren (Sturgis), Shannon Steele (Rapid City), Jacob and Tucker Steele (Box Elder). 25 Great Grandchildren, 2 Sisters Bernice (Norman) Hermanek (Geddes SD) Bonnie (Robert) Myers (Rapid City). 36 Nieces and Nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Lealand, her parents, grandson Jamie Nelson, brother and sister in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and close friends.

A visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, Monday, May 16, 2016 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Vikki French officiating.

Interment will be in Mt. View Cemetery.