LEAD | Irene Louise Pugh Whitaker, 77, died October 2, 2016 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Irene was born August 4, 1939 to William and Irene (Babby) Pugh in Saratoga, Wyoming.

Irene graduated from high school in Hot Springs in 1957.

She worked for her family owned business, The Shannon County News, as a linotype operator. In the 1960's and the 1970's, Irene and her husband Derl McMeekin owned the mobil oil gas station in Hot Springs. She also worked as a dietician for the hospital in Hot Springs.

She is survived by her daughters, Kimberley Green, Rapid City, and Juanita (Chris) Jordan, Spring Creek, Nevada; a brother, Richard (Audrey) Pugh, Summerset; and three grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, George Pugh.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, at 11:00 A.M at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 2822 Canyon Lake Drive in Rapid City with Bishop Don Policky officiating. A burial will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs.