Willene was born April 17, 1946, in Sturgis to William and Mabel Lewis. She was the youngest of seven children. Willene grew up in the Nisland area on the family farm and graduated from Vale High School.

She married Frankie "Joe" Shinost in Boulder Canyon on September 15, 1979. Together, they raised three sons who blessed her with four grandchildren. They have lived in Sturgis since. Willene and Joe owned Paklin Shoe Repair from 1984 until 1998.

Willene loved the outdoors. While the boys were growing up, camping trips were a frequent getaway for the family. She loved taking pictures, growing flowers, and caring for her dogs, Tasha and Crocket, for a total of 21 years. She was often found walking them around the neighborhood. Some other hobbies included bowling, quilting, and crocheting. She belonged to the group "Knit Whits." Willene was a collector of anything wolf related. And she loved meeting at Weimer's with the breakfast crew. She also looked forward each year to her rally friends coming back.

Willene Grace Shinost, 69, Sturgis, died Thursday, April 14, 2016, at her residence.

Survivors include her loving husband of 37 years, Frankie "Joe" Shinost; three sons, Carlton "Cully" (Wendy) Kieckhafer, Lake City, FL, Brian (Donna) Kieckhafer, Cornwall on the Hudson, NY, and Frankie "JJ" Joe (Courtney) Shinost, Temecula, CA; four grandchildren, Carlton "CJ" Jr., Tyler, Katherine "Noel," and Tanner; three sisters, Lorraine (Harley) Rossow) Sherman, SD, Elma (DeWayne) Eatherton, Sturgis, and Elaine (Alfred) Merwin, Hot Springs, SD; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jack (June) Lewis and Gene (Lois) Lewis; and her sister, Ruth MacDonald.

Visitation will be Monday, April 18 from noon to 2:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 18, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating. Inurnment will be Tuesday, April 19 at 10:00 a.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery.

A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Northern Hills.

Click on link to view service folder