Gladys Louise Nelson, 87, Sturgis, died Sunday, November 4, 2012, at the Sturgis Regional Hospital surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be noon until 9:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with the family present from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 9, 2012, at Grace Lutheran Church in Sturgis with Pastor Will Olsen officiating. Burial will follow at Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis.

Gladys was born February 8, 1925, at Hibbing, MN, to Warren and Lena (Schwandt) Shinabarger. She grew up in the Buffalo, Bison, and Prairie City areas before her marriage to David C. Baird on June 4, 1950. Four children were born to this union, David Ray, Mike, Bill, and Donna before making her home in Sturgis in 1964.

Gladys' life revolved around her faith, getting her hair done, socialization, and her family. She loved being on the go and visiting where ever she went. Playing bingo was her greatest hobby along with spending time at the Senior Center.

She was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church and the Meade County Senior Center.

Survivors include her sons, David Ray Baird, Evansville, WY, and Bill (Jill) Baird, Sturgis; and daughter, Donna (David) Natchke, Sturgis. She was blessed with 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Survivors also include her brothers, Raymond (Diana) Shinabarger, Buffalo, SD, and Floyd "Vern" Shinabarger, Sturgis; and several nieces, nephews, and best friend, Elizabeth Beckman, Mesa, AZ.

She was preceded in death by her son, Mike Baird; grandson, Josh Natchke; two brothers, Donald and Clarence Shinabarger; and sister, Eleanor Lindholm.

The family wishes to extend their sincerest gratitude to the amazing staff at Key City Retirement Home, the numerous medical staff at Sturgis Regional and Rapid City Regional Hospitals, who worked diligently to make Gladys' last days comfortable, and especially Georgine Hendrix for always making Gladys look so pretty.

A memorial has been established to the Meade County Senior Center.

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