Helen Shirley (Manke) Sides, 95, formerly of Smithwick, SD passed away November 23, 2007 at the Castle Manor Nursing Home in Hot Springs.

Helen was born April 23, 1912 to John and Josephine (Schuele) Manke on a ranch north of Rapid City on Box Elder Creek. As a child she and her family moved to Fall River County to homestead on Plum Creek, southeast of Edgemont. She attended grade school at Plum Creek School and three years of high school at St. Agnes Academy, a Catholic boarding school in Alliance, NE. She graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1931 at Edgemont High School. She attended Black Hills Teachers College and received her teacher's certification at Chadron State College.

She taught school for six years at Teepee Creek School and Bunker Hill School. She married Ray Sides, a rancher from Smithwick, on March 19, 1938, in Custer, SD. Together they built and operated their ranch in Hay Canyon. Part of their ranch operation included raising and breaking horses that were sold for military use. Helen was an exceptional horsewoman and loved every aspect of ranching. There were blessed with two children, John and Judith.

Helen was active in Smithwick Methodist Church and served as treasurer for over 40 years. She was also clerk of the Smithwick School Board for many years. She was noted for her hospitality; it was not unusual to have extra people at the dinner table or as overnight guests. She touched lives wherever she went.

Her husband, Ray, died April 2, 1993. Helen continued to live on the ranch were she remained actively involved with the ranch and in the lives of her three grandchildren. They shared much time together and all benefited greatly from their close relationship.

An eye injury in September 2005 forced her to move from the ranch to Castle Manor Nursing home where Helen continued to make new friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; two brothers, Allie and Jack and her parents.

Helen is survived by her son, John and his wife, Carol, of Smithwick; daughter, Judi of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren, Amanda, Jack, and Shauna; Franklin Manke and his wife Audrey of Edgemont as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 29, 2007 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs with Reverend Joel Rickenbach officiating. Interment will follow at the Smithwick Cemetery.

Memorials have been established in Helen's name to benefit the Smithwick Cemetery or Sun Catchers Therapeutic Riding Academy, 12337 Beaver Den Dr., Custer, SD 57730.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written Condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.