Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884

Dolly Deranleau

On the morning of August 29, 2023 with numerous loved ones and her doting husband present, Dolly Deranleau peacefully left this world behind.

Born Dolly Ray Dirks to Charles and Gilda Dirks of Alva, Wyoming on December 19, 1940 on the Giachino family ranch, Dolly spent her early childhood on the ranch with her three siblings helping care for cows, pigs, and farm potatoes. She often spoke of memories about her parents, siblings and activities such as driving the tractor at no more than six years old.

Dolly left the ranch at age 17 and began work in the field of hospitality. Not long after, Dolly became a mother to three girls and one boy – Ronda, Doneen, Melvin and Becky.

After years of friendship, Dolly married Carl Deranleau on June 17, 1992, combining families and taking on the role of Mother to Carl's children, Deb, Dave, Dee, Dallas and Denise.

The couple could often be seen together sharing kind moments and laughter. Together they built a home full of creativity, family and love.

Dolly was an incredibly talented seamstress and spent most of her free time quilting, making countless projects for craft fairs that she and Carl attended, crocheting and sewing items she was proud to display including custom western shirts for her grandsons.

Dolly also enjoyed participating in the Spearfish senior bowling league and spending any and all time she could with her family, including her multiple children/grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren.

Dolly has gone home to reunite with family who have gone before her including her parents, Charles and Gilda; her brothers, Barney and Charles Jr. "Booie" Dirks; son, Melvin Shuck; and grandson, Tyler Allen.

A life well lived means a life well loved and Dolly is a shining example of that. She leaves behind her husband, Carl; sister, Doris Case; children, Ronda (Brian) Prickett, Donneen (Michael) McManaman, Becky (Ben) Acuna, Deb (Bill) Schwan, Dave (Anita) Deranleau, Dee (Ike) Fullington, Dallas (Nancy) Deranleau, Denise (Delane) McGillivray; her cherished grandchildren, Mike Walter, Tony (Christy) Walter, Donny (Amanda) Walter, Sean Shinost and Ernie (Tristan) Acuna.

Dolly left no doubt of the amount of love she leaves behind for each and every one of her great grandchildren, Hailey Walter, Hannah Walter, Abigail Walter, Jace Walter, Charlie Walter, Sophia Acuna and Cash Acuna.

A celebration of life was held Friday, September 1 at the United Church of Christ in Spearfish, South Dakota. Interment followed at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish with a lunch following.

The family has asked any donations in Dolly's name to be made to the "Ladies of the Church" In care UCC Congregational – 920 N. Main Street Spearfish SD, 57783 – (605) 642-8253.

Arrangements are under the care of Kline Funeral Chapel of Belle Fourche. An online guest book is available at klinefuneralchapel.com