Donnell Vergene Shipley, 81, of Sturgis, SD, died January 14, 2024, in Sturgis.
Cremation has taken place per Donnell’s wishes and a memorial service will be sometime in the spring.
Donnell “Cookie” Shipley was born April 18, 1942, at Mobridge, SD, to Theodore and Leota (Reide) Carls. She was raised in Timber Lake, where she graduated from high school in 1960. She remained in Timber Lake for a couple years, then at the age of 21 moved to Rapid City to attend National College of Business. Upon graduating “Cookie” moved to Sturgis, where she started working at Fort Meade. She married Harold Shipley and they raised their family of three children Penny, Jeffrey and Craig. Cookie became at stay-at-home mom, when her youngest son, Craig was born. In 1981, she re-entered the working world at the Meade County States Attorney’s Office. She later worked at South Dakota Department of Social Services for a time, before retiring. After her husband, Harold died in 1993, she reunited with her high school sweetheart, special life partner, Melvin “Gunny” Gunderson.
Cookie’s life was her family, her yard, and gardening.
Cookie is survived by her Special Life Partner, Melvin “Gunny” Gunderson, Sturgis; children, Penny (Randy) Kutz, Rapid City, Jeffrey Shipley, Sturgis, and Craig (Alice) Shipley, Sturgis; brother, Dennis “Butch” (Pat) Carls; sister, Carla Carls; brother-in-law: Dennis Shipley; along with four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Harold, and sisters, Marlene, and Roberta.
A memorial has been established.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
