Shonda Murree Zwetzig, of Vale, SD, passed away Sunday, July 18, 2021, at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital, surrounded by family and friends.

Shonda was born in Belle Fourche, SD, on July 8, 1983, to Dena Zwetzig and Derby Keever.  In 1986, she was promoted to big sister when her brother Jaymes Simmons was born.  She spent most of her youth on the family dairy farm in Nisland, SD, with her parents, Doug and Dena Simmons, her brother Jaymes. and her grandparents. Virgil and Eleanor Simmons where they had dairy cows, miniature horses, and peacocks, to name a few.  She had a feisty Shetland pony named Rosie and a gentle Morgan horse named Morgan, naturally.  One of the highlights of living on a dairy farm was getting a gigantic straw from the milk hauler (sometimes it's the little things in life).

Shonda loved riding in the wagon train that rode into Deadwood, SD, during the Days of 76 celebration and then camping at the Days of 76 Rodeo grounds as well as participating in the parades and the runaway stagecoach during the rodeo.  She often participated in the Newell Labor Day parade as well.  Much of her time was spent enjoying time with her family and friends.  Shonda spent most of her school age years attending Newell Schools but moved to Wyoming with her family in 2000, when her dad took a different job.

By far, one of the proudest moments in Shonda's life was the birth of her beautiful son, Peyton.  Shonda always wanted to be a mother and that dream came true the day Peyton was born.  She was always his biggest cheerleader and was very proud of his recent employment at the Brunner Farms.

A little over five years ago, Shonda reconnected with a good friend of hers from high school, James Ganje. It didn't take long for them to realize they were meant to be together. Although they were never legally married or said vows to each other, James displayed the true meaning of "in sickness and in health".

Shonda was a fantastic cook, if you ever had the chance to eat her cooking consider yourself lucky. She had a love for the water, whether it be swimming at a pool, a river, the canal, or a lake.  She also took up playing BINGO and on February 9, 2021, was the big winner of $1800. She always had a soft spot for animals and the last few years their house was abounding with love from, and for, her puppies, Shebba, Dizzy, and Spot (or Spooter), and her kitties, Orwell, Alvin and Queen B….  Most notable was her love for babies, if there was a baby in the room you could find it in her arms.

Shonda is survived by her son, Peyton James Carter; and her love, James Ganje; mother, Dena Simmons; birth father, Derby Keever; brother, Jaymes Simmons (Stefanie); step-brothers, Ryan Augstine (Marleah), Brandon Keever, and Zakoda Keever; grandmother, Rene Rhynard; grandmother, Betty Zwetzig;  grandparents, Richard (Wanda) Keever; great-grandmother, Rosie Zwetzig; her nieces and nephews, Andrew, Kayanna, Jackson, Dezra, and Aoife; Dakota Newey, and Cheyenne Roy, Peyton's sister, whom she loved like they were her own; and many extended family members and friends whom will all miss her dearly.

Shonda is preceded in death by her dad, Doug Simmons; her grandparents, Virgil (Eleanor) Simmons; her grandpas, David Zwetzig, and John Rhynard; her aunt, Linda Simmons Richter; and her special friend, Eric Chandler.

Memorial services for Shonda will 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 1, 2021, at the Vale Community Country Church with a potluck gathering to follow.

All memorial donations will be used towards the cost of her memorial services.

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