On the sunny Monday afternoon of November 18, 2024, Earnestine Ruth Colgan gently passed into heaven after living 102 years on earth where she always gave thanks to God for nature's beauty. She was eager to join her beloved daughters, Anne and Chris, who left her too soon.

Born on July 12, 1922 in Edgemont, SD to Ruth (Hofacre) and Harry Spurgin, Earn had one older brother, Mick; and a younger brother, Donnie. Even though her family moved often during her childhood, she always remembered how much she enjoyed singing, dancing, and listening to music.  She graduated sixth in her class of 666 from Tacoma High School.

During a visit with Edgemont family and friends, she met Charles (Chuck) Colgan.  After a month's engagement, Chuck and Earn were married at St. James Catholic Church on June 5, 1944.  Earn wore a white wool suit.  The reception was held in Chuck's parents' home and angel food cake was served with strawberries and whipped cream.  Chuck was stationed in Europe, and Earn returned to Tacoma to work where she remembered listening to Roosevelt's Fireside Chats and hearing about his death on the radio.  Chuck and Earn moved to Hot Springs in May of 1946.  Steve was born at the Sisters Hospital; Anne and Chris completed the family.

Earn and Chuck believed that shopping in Hot Springs and giving back to the community were important long before it was popular.  Even though Earn worked as Chuck and Steve's New York Life secretary, she found time to volunteer at the Miss South Dakota Pageant for 50 years. Earn also served on the St. Anthony's Church Council , the funeral committee serving scalloped potatoes and ham, and helping in any way she was asked.  Over the years she was awarded the 1993 Chamber of Commerce "Citizen of the Year," Business and Professional Women's "Woman of the Year," and the 2002 and 2014 Mammoth Site Volunteer of the Year. Governor Janklow also proclaimed July 12, 2002 as Earnestine Colgan Day in South Dakota for her volunteer efforts.

Earn's greatest joy was her grandchildren; she loved being called "Grandma." Steve and his wife Sue's family moved to Hot Springs in 1978 where their children Sean and Beth spent joyful birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings with Grandma and Grandpa.  Grandma was a fabulous cook who made her famous chocolate birthday cakes with seven-minute frosting and chocolate drizzle.  Chris and Roger Burg's children Elizabeth and Eleanor visited often.  And then came her "perfect" great grandchildren:  Sean and his wife Irene's Aine and Ciara; and Elizabeth and Kyle's [Morris] Audrey and Leona. Throughout her long life, Grandma was proud of all of her family; she loved each one dearly and always wanted to know details of our lives.

Grandma taught us so many lessons:  to take food to neighbors who are sick, to find joy in gardening and smelling flowers, to be strong and independent, to build good friendships, to laugh when the ketchup bottle is on the table during family pictures, to eat slowly and enjoy good conversation even though everyone else finished eating long ago; and to appreciate her Catholic faith, parades, bands, fireworks, hot air balloons, puzzles, the beautiful sky, the moon, and music all day long.

Earn is survived by "her kids" Steve and Sue, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, her husband Chuck, and her daughters Anne and Chris.

As a memorial to her, please consider volunteering at an organization of your choice and remember Earnestine.

Rosary will be held 9:00 a.m., Saturday, November 23, 2024, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs, SD with visitation at 9:30 a.m.

Christian Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m., also on Saturday, November 23, 2024.