Marilyn Shedd

On September 25, 2023, Marilyn Louise Shedd enter the arms of our Heavenly Father. Marilyn was born on June 25, 1930, with her twin Myron to Florence and Elvis Stearns in Bowman, North Dakota. She grew up on a ranch in Harding County, South Dakota, with her four siblings. Her younger years were spent riding horses to and from the country school, learning to milk cows, baling hay, stealing cherries out of freshly-baked pies, and, yes, even hunting rattlesnakes. She learned to dance at country dances and loved the wide open range of the family ranch. Just as her siblings, Marilyn lived with her grandparents, Fred and Florence Stearns, when attending high school in Spearfish, South Dakota. Marilyn had many fond memories of being the head majorette of the Spearfish High School Band. She graduated from Spearfish High School in 1948. After graduation, Marilyn went on to attend Black Hills Teachers’ College in Spearfish.

While riding bicycles with her friend, Marilyn met the love of her life. On November 12, 1949, Marilyn married L. James Shedd. The two set off to Wichita Falls, Texas, where Jim was in the army and Marilyn was a telephone operator in charge of international calls.

By 1951, Jim and Marilyn moved back to South Dakota and settled in Deadwood. In 1952, they purchased Stearns and Shedd Hardware along with her twin Myron and his wife Janet. Marilyn opened a gift store as part of the hardware store. From China to kitchenwares, to exquisite and unique gifts and jewelry adorned the isles of the gift store. It was known throughout the Black Hills as a place to get that special item. A special part of the gift store were the many craft items that were available. Craft classes were often taught by Marilyn to the enjoyment of many patrons.

In 1975, Jim and Marilyn purchased a jewelry store in Deadwood. Shedd Jewelers operated until 2019. Marilyn provided beautiful Black Hills Gold Jewelry and window displays for people to enjoy. There was even a small casino and bar added to the jewelry store. She was an excellent salesperson and enjoyed the ever-changing technology that encompassed the running of a business for over 67 years. Even at 93, Marilyn loved her iPhone and computer.

Jim and Marilyn were blessed with two children, Sandie and Greg. Fond memories of Marilyn making Christmas baskets to deliver to friends, baking angel food pies, pull-a-part rolls, cooking Thanksgiving Dinner plus all of the dinners to feed friends, grandchildren, and lots of relatives. She enjoyed taking her children to swim meets and loved to watch rodeos (especially the Days of ’76) and a good football game. When Jim and Marilyn danced, the dance crowd would often stop to enjoy their talent. She enjoyed sending cards and talking to friends and relatives from all over. Marilyn loved “bling.” Her jewelry, sequins tops, lipstick, and beautiful nails were a staple with her.

Marilyn was a member of the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Deadwood, a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign War, the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star in Deadwood, the Zonta Club, and Beta Sigma Phi International Women’s Organization.

In 2019, Marilyn and Jim moved to Billings to be close to family. Marilyn and Jim were a part of the St John’s United At-Home program and Vista Assisted Living. These St. John’s programs lovingly cared for Marilyn. Over the last few years, Marilyn and Jim have also been devotedly cared for by Martina Manyguns.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her son, Greg Shedd; her siblings and their spouses, Norma and Joe Boushey, Donald and Donna Stearns, Roger Stearns, and Myron and Janet Stearns; her parents, Elvis and Florence Stearns; and several nieces and nephews.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 73 years, Jim; daughter Sandra Mammenga (Terry); grandchildren Jennifer Kondracki (Brian), Jeri Kelley (Chris), Jodi Waggoner (Steve), John Mammenga and Mark Mammenga (Jamie); her great-grandchildren, Alexa and James Kondracki, Andrew and Bridget Kelley, and Ellie and Eli Mammenga; her sister-in-law Ruth Stearns; wonderful nieces and nephews and their spouses; and caring friends from far and near.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Mission Ridge Chapel, St. John’s United Campus, Billings. An additional memorial service will be held in Deadwood, South Dakota, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, 1735 Monad Road, Billings, MT 59101, https://yvas.org/get-involved/make-a-gift/; or St. John’s Episcopal Church, Deadwood, 401 Williams St., Deadwood, SD 57732.