Shirley Jean Floden, 96, died Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Peaceful Pines Senior Living, Rapid City, SD.

Shirley was born May 29, 1926 in Greeley, Colorado to Elmer and Vesta Spencer. She graduated from high school in Greeley.

She married Jennings Floden June 10, 1949 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Rapid City. Shirley and Jennings had three children; Karl, Susan, and James. Early in their marriage they lived, for a short time, in the old sod house on the ranch, and eventually built their own home.

The family ranch and everything associated with it was their life's work.

One of the highlights for Shirley and Jennings was participating in an archeological "dig" on the ranch that unearthed a Tyrannosaurus Rex skull and partial skeleton, at the time only the sixth available specimen of that dinosaur in the world! The "Find" attracted national media attention and brought a number of people into their lives who were interested in archeology and local history. Shirley also loved amateur photography and shared her pictures with neighbors and family.

Shirley was a member of the Northern Hills Archeology Society and Butte County Historical Society, and she attended Darton Geological Society meetings. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Zeona, SD, and was a member from 1949 until she moved to Rapid City in 2008. She enjoyed playing the piano for services.

Left behind are her sons, Karl of Rapid City, SD, and James (Shaye) of Hermosa, SD; daughters, Anne (Jerry) Fines of Rapid City and Susan (James) Clausen of Alpine, Tx; grandsons, Jeremy (Anitra), Matthew (Margaret), and Shaun; and great grandson, Dylan. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jennings; sister, Pat Johnson; and infant daughter, Carole Jeanne.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the Immanuel Cemetery Fund.