Sharon Fae Ackley (Warnes)

Sharon F. Ackley, 78, of Geddes, SD passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at Platte Health Center Avera, Platte, SD, surrounded by her family while she fought a short and ferocious battle with pancreatic cancer. Funeral Services are 10:30 A.M. Thursday, October 24, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Geddes. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be held at the church from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 23, 2019 with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service.

Sharon was born May 1, 1941 in Clear Lake, SD. She grew up on the farm helping her dad with daily chores like milking cows and taking care of the horses. The farm she grew up on did not have electricity or running water, but this did not faze her a bit. She had a younger sister named Cleo, who was not only a sister, but her best friend. She attended a country school near Clear Lake, and rode a horse to school weather permitting. In 1955 her family moved to Pierre where she attended T.F. Riggs High School; graduating in 1959.

In March of 1962, she met a young man from Ft. Pierre who had just completed his service with the U.S. Army. She and Jerry dated for 6 months before uniting in marriage on September 1, 1962. They were married in Ft. Pierre at the Community Church.

Sharon worked for many years in Pierre as a secretary/office manager for Powell Supply, Magee Plumbing & Heating, and Kelley Construction.

She was a member of the Oahe Riding Club, and Oahe Drill Team that performed at the big rodeos in South Dakota.

Sharon and Jerry moved to the country north of Pierre, where she was able to have all the animals she wanted. Her love of animals was unsurpassed and her children shared in that love. They had horses, goats, chickens, geese, ducks, pigs, cats, and dogs.

They were blessed with a son, Fritz (Frederick) on January 31, 1966 and a daughter, Kathy on January 3, 1970.

After retirement, they moved to Geddes, SD, where Sharon became very involved with the community. She was a driving force in the Peter Norbeck house restoration as well as the Geddes Historical Society Museum. She was also a member of the Geddes City Council and the Development Corporation. She also began quilting; where she was a member of 2 different quilting clubs – Lake Andes Quilting and Methodist Church Quilting clubs. She was also a proud member of the local area Red Hat Ladies group. During retirement, she and Jerry also made time for their grandchildren, attending many of their sporting events no matter how far away.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Jerry of Geddes; her children: Fritz (Jean) Ackley of Springfield, Missouri and Kathy (Brian) Cruze of Litchfield, Minnesota; grandchildren: Tony Schmoldt, Miera Dameron, Courtney Cruze, Katelyn Cruze; great grandchildren: Cierra, Wyatt, Camey, Myla, & Emaly; sister, Cleo (Chris) Hanson of Yucaipa, California; special honorary granddaughters: Melissa Hundstad & Becky Huber; several brothers and sisters-in-law; special nephew, Gary Rokusek and his family; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Fern Warnes; father-in-law and mother-in- law, Frederick and Marie Ackley; and sister-in-law, Patty Rokusek.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Sharon’s honor may be directed to: Geddes Historical Society Museum, c/o Pat Biddle, 404 Prairie St., Geddes, SD 57342.