After a life well-lived, Shirley Tennyson passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, at the age of 99.

Shirley was born March 12, 1926, in Wasta, South Dakota, to John and Candace (Fuller) Hayes, the middle of five sisters. Shirley grew up helping her sisters to tend the large Hayes garden which supplied produce to a wide area in western South Dakota. Her favorite memories were of her horses, Ribbon and Molly, and of course, young people trying to steal watermelons from her parents’ garden with some hilarious results.

After graduating high school in Rapid City, Shirley attended Presentation School of Nursing in Aberdeen, receiving her degree in nursing and later becoming an instructor there for a period of time. From there she returned to Rapid City and continued her nursing career at Sioux San Hospital.

In 1947 Shirley met the love of her life and beloved husband of 59 years, Jack Tennyson. They were married on July 9, 1949, in Quinn, South Dakota. They made their home in Owanka, South Dakota, and she became postmaster of the town and later postmaster of the post office at Ft. Meade, South Dakota.

After her retirement in 1986. Shirley and Jack enjoyed winters in Phoenix, Arizona and summers in Casper, Wyoming. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with their large extended family of 12 siblings between them and, of course, numerous friends and neighbors. In 2000 they made Rapid City their permanent home, and Shirley continued living in the family home until the age of 98.

Shirley was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, and love and support for her family and community. She was a devout member of St. Therese the Little Flower Church in Rapid City.

Survivors include one son Jerald "Jerry" Tennyson and his wife Carol of Chapin, South Carolina; one daughter Kathryn "Kathy" Tennyson of Rapid City; two grandchildren Jerald Tennyson, Jr. of Rapid City, and Eric (Jayma) Tennyson of Chapin, South Carolina; step-grandchildren: Brandon (Julie) Lynn, Troy (Cindy) Lynn, Tom Lynn, Shelly Pejsa, Juston (Chris) Holm, and Tammy (Robert) Mann; two great-grandchildren Jerry Tennyson III of Las Vegas, and Mason Tennyson of Chapin; one sister Virginia Poste of Casper, Wyoming; sisters-in-law Joan Tennyson, Frannie Tennyson, Marge Tennyson, and Twila Koopman; several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition, Ethan and Mariette Rintoul of Rapid City who devoted many hours with Shirley chasing away her loneliness and strengthening her spirit.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Eugene "Jack" Tennyson on July 22, 2008; parents John and Candace Hayes; three sisters Florence Baird, Marilyn Madison, and Charlene Schell; and a nephew Larry Schell.

In lieu of flowers a memorial is established to the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Quinn.

Visitation will be held an hour and a half prior to the funeral mass at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Church at 532 Adams Street in Rapid City, South Dakota

Interment will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Quinn.