Cassandra Dawn (Fitzgerald) McMillan was born February 14, 1959, in Stockton, CA.  Being raised in the city by Lake Michigan she gathered many memories of city life with family and friends.  She loved going to Chicago Cubs games with her lifelong friend, Barbara Skarha.

Cassandra and James McMillan were married October 23, 1983 and traveled to the Black Hills for their honeymoon.  They fell in love with the Hills and shortly thereafter moved to a historic ranch west of Custer and proceeded to raise bison.

Cassandra was enchanted with the country and enjoyed riding her horse, loved her animals which included dogs, cats, horses and even named the buffalo.  She developed her own house cleaning business and made many friends over the years.

She is remembered by her family and friends for her patriotism, generosity, thoughtfulness and kind spirit.  She shared whatever she had with others including her love for her Savior Jesus Christ.  When she doubted her own strength Cassandra would remember Bible verses she cherished, especially Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me".   Her favorite Bible verse was "Jesus wept" (John 11:35) because it revealed the depth of love and compassion Jesus has for us.

Cassandra passed away peacefully, February 1, 2023, at her home in the presence of her husband, after a prolonged illness.

Cassandra is survived by her husband, James of Custer; mother, Elizabeth Squires of Downers Grove, IL; brother, Robert Lee Pedersen and cherished by her many friends and her church family at Mountainview Baptist Church.

Psalm 116:15  "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints".

Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at Chamberlain McColleys Funeral Home in Custer, SD.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Mountainview Baptist Church in Custer, SD with committal services following at Custer Cemetery in Custer, SD.