On April 23, 1940, Loyd and Violet (Olsen) Griffith brought a beautiful curly haired girl into the world. The story was told many times how Loyd worked at the Kansas City Hospital to pay off the bill. Loyd continued to take loving care of Sharon all his life. While Loyd was away fighting in WWII, Violet, Sharon, and Jerry stayed at Marcus with their grandparents. They continued to maintain strong family ties to South Dakota family after returning to KC where she graduated from high school and college.

In 1960, Sharon moved to South Dakota and taught at the Barada school east of Marcus. Sharon met Duane Keffeler at a country dance and they wed on June 25, 1961. They had two children, Jay De and Joy, to complete their family. The couple ranched at Red Owl from then on. Settling into the ranch lifestyle, Sharon cooked many a meal and no one stopped at her house without eating. Her fried chicken and her chocolate chip cookies will long be fondly remembered!

Sharon was a very giving person with a strong faith who made time to help people. She loved to help with community events, church functions, and providing food and snacks. She enjoyed substituting and helping with the kid's youth program. Sharon loved her family and especially the grandkids-who did no wrong! She enjoyed a special connection with her brother, Jerry, and they took several trips together. Always a story when those two got together!

Sharon Lee (Griffith) Keffeler, 80, of Red Owl, SD, passed away Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family.

We are profoundly grateful for her love and joy in our lives-she will leave a big hole in her absence. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Duane Keffeler; son. Jay De (Dana) Keffeler; daughter, Joy Keffler; grandchildren, Jade (Kaitlyn), Jocelynn, Justine Keffeler, and Caden (Jori) Smiley; great-granddaughters, Allie, and Charlie; and numerous loved ones and relatives.

Preceded in death by her parents, Loyd and Violet Griffith; brother, Jerry; and many loved ones.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 17, 2021, from 5-7 p.m. at Community Baptist Church in Union Center, SD.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Central Meade County Community Center in Union Center, SD, with Pastor Bill Meirose officiating.

Burial will follow at White Owl cemetery.

A memorial has been established to the Union Center Community Baptist Church.

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