Viola "Jeane" Pittman was born on July 2, 1929 in New Underwood, SD to Kenneth Elliot and Edna C. (Remington) Oliver. She grew up the oldest of five siblings near Chalk Butte. She boarded with families in Sturgis so she could attend school there, finishing through the 10th grade. On the fateful evening of October 20, 1945 at a wedding dance, Jeane met the love of her life, Jean Pittman. They were married on February 25, 1947. Together they resided near Marcus until purchasing a farm near Whitewood. To their union, five sons were born: Melvin, Michael, Mark, Monte, and Martin.
On the farm, while being a wonderful mother and homemaker, Jeane found time to raise a big garden and canned everything she grew. She also raised chickens, and would often help hand-milk cows in order to sell the fresh cream. Her and Jean had dairy cows since the beginning of their marriage, and started a Grade A dairy in 1964, running it until retiring in 1983. In the early 60s, Verna O'Reily got Jeane started on making wedding cakes. From there she went on to plan entire weddings as well! She was a talented artist, doing beautiful beadwork, artificial flower bouquets, and eventually many other types of artwork. When times were difficult when the kids were little, they would receive Santa presents that were handmade, the quality of which they still appreciate to this day. This talent led to her eventually owning and operating Jeane's Flowers and Gifts, later Jeane's Country Mall, where she sold her arrangements and woodworking gifts. She operated the shop until she moved to the Belle Estate in Belle Fourche.
Jeane and Jean loved to dance, and they both belonged to the Elks Club and the Moose Lodge. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary and the Black Hills Milk Producers. During the late 60s and 70s, she struggled with depression. However, she was always very family oriented, cherishing the time she had with her children and grandchildren.
Jeane Pittman, 91, died on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at the Belle Estate.
She is survived by her sons, Melvin (Juanita) Pittman of Nisland, Michael (Melanie) Pittman of Belle Fourche, Mark Pittman of Costa Rica, and Monte (Leana) Pittman of Crozier, VA; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jean; son, Martin; parents, Kenneth and Edna Oliver; sisters, Wilda Bachand, Darlene Guthrie, and Doris Oliver; and brothers, Robert, Dean, and Carrol Oliver.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 11, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at the Black Hills Baptist Church in Whitewood with Pastor Sean Donnelly officiating. Burial will follow at Whitewood Cemetery.

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