March 1, 1934 – September 12, 2021
Pauline M. Davis, 87, of Spearfish, died September 12, 2021 at Garden Hills Assisted Living in Spearfish.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.
Pauline was born March 1, 1934 to James and Ruby (Olson) Gray in Dupree. She grew up on a farm south of Dupree and attended Dupree school, participating in many activities and sports.
While attending school she boarded with Mrs. McInerny, cooking in her restaurant in exchange for room and board. Following graduation in 1952, Pauline taught country school at Sunnybrook for half a school year.
She married Harold V. Davis in Dupree on December 25, 1952. In July, 1954 Arlie was born in Dupree and in August, 1959 Roxie was born in Deadwood.
Pauline helped Harold operate Davis Gas and Appliance while farming and ranching north of Dupree.
Pauline was the South Dakota Rodeo Association secretary and treasurer from 1967 until 1978, taking entries, getting chute cards, judges’ cards and all the paperwork ready for the rodeos. Pauline was honored by the Casey Tibbs Foundation as Honorary Rodeo Secretary/Timer in 2008.
She was a member of the United Church of Christ and the Rebekah Lodge in Dupree.
Harold and Pauline sold Davis Gas and Appliance in 1976. They began spending winters in Las Vegas and summers in South Dakota. While in South Dakota they farmed and ranched with Arlie and Janie.
She and Harold opened a drivein in Dupree during the summers into the 1980’s. Pauline also spent as much time as she could with her five grandchildren. After the sale of the drive-in Pauline and Harold lived in Las Vegas year-round. Pauline worked as a restaurant hostess and for an independent company that investigated employee theft throughout Nevada.
Harold and Pauline, along with her sister Dorothy and brother-in-law Norman, purchased and operated a restaurant in Las Vegas until health concerns for Dorothy forced them to sell. She dedicated her time to caring for Dorothy.
Following Dorothy’s death, Pauline worked part-time at Kings Row Trailer Park until Harold’s death in 2001. Pauline returned to Red Owl, living there until her health forced her to move into Sturgis. She fell and broke her hip and then moved to Garden Hills Assisted Living in Spearfish and resided there until her death.
Pauline enjoyed buying and selling antique glassware and oak furniture. She loved playing Bingo in Las Vegas and with her sister Lilah in Eagle Butte.
Survivors include her son Arlie (Janie) Davis; daughter Roxie (Bret) Stambach; brother Harvey (Judy) Gray; sister Lilah (Bill) Bosley; brother-in-law Norman Mutchler; sister-in-law Donna Davis; grandchildren Zach (Kim) Davis, Josh (Craig Comes) Davis, Austin (Amanda Weber) Stambach, Marty (Courtney) Stambach, Crystal (Dustin) Jewett; great-grandchildren Kaydin, Kamry, Karly, and Karsyn Davis; Robert, Travis, Hunter, Tyler, and Dayten Stambach; Jewel and Justice Weber; Trayden and Traeg Stambach; Raelyn, Adalyn, and Irelyn Aberle; Taylee, Andrea, and Harper Jewett; great-great-grandchild Alaia Stambach; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her friend, John P. Miller, Red Owl.
Pauline is preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her parents; brother James Gray; and sister Dorothy Gray-Mutchler.