Florence Elizabeth Swesey was born October 30, 1932, to Fred and Minnie (Wilson) Secrest in Gunnison, CO. She was the oldest of 4 siblings. Joining her was a brother, Gene, and two sisters, Effie and Punky. Florence's father was a logger, so the family moved from Colorado to New Mexico, and then to Idaho, settling in Sturgis, SD, in 1947.
Florence attended school up to the 9th grade. She worked as an usher in the new movie theater on Main Street in Sturgis. She also worked at Chat N Chew Café on Main Street, at Sturgis Community Hospital with Doctor Massa, and then worked in nursing at Fort Meade Hospital.
She met the love of her life, Billy Swesey, at the age of 19. They married on October 20, 1952. To this marriage, two sons were born, Everett and Lee.
In her 86 years of life, she was always doing something. She loved to read, and her favorite books were those by Louis L'Amour. She also liked to crochet and knit, making many sweaters. She was very involved in her sons' school activities and sports when they were growing up. Whether it be camping, fishing, traveling, 4-H, high school rodeos and beyond, she was always there for Everett and Lee. During their wrestling matches, she would be sitting on the bleachers trying to help the boys get the right move on their opponents. Florence was also a proud grandma and great-grandma, and a wonderful step-grandparent. She was always happy to see the children and have them spend the night. She was a life member of the VFW Auxiliary.
Florence, 86, of Sturgis, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2019, in Rapid City.
She is survived by her son, Lee (Jeanette) Swesey; grandson, Valyen (Tamara) Swesey; step-grandchildren, Jill (Ryan) Thompson, Amanda (Doug) Fischer, and Lee (Kim) Risser; great-grandchildren, Leilani, Macei, and McKynlei; step-great-grandchildren, Justice, Dena, Logan, and David; brother, Gene (Marilyn) Secrest; sisters, Effie (Mike) Carney and Punky Barden; and sister-in-law, Sharron Swesey.
Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Billy; son, Everett; and her parents.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 23, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 24, 2019, also at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating.    Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 26, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

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