Irene Ruth Andersen, 91, of rural Edgemont, passed away March 11, 2010 at the Custer Senior Care Center.

Irene was born January 12, 1919 at Edgemont, South Dakota, to Andrew and Frances (Wheeler) Rasmussen. She spent her early days in Edgemont until the family moved to Burdock in 1928. Irene attended grade school at Argentine (Burdock) grade school and completed high school at Edgemont High, where, among other activities, she played on the girl's basketball team. After high school, she attended Spearfish Normal (now Black Hills State University) and received a teaching certificate.

Irene taught for several years in rural schools in eastern Wyoming, boarding with ranching families in the area. She then moved to California during WWII and worked for the Department of Defense in San Pedro.

On June 21 1944, Irene married her childhood sweetheart, Edwin Andersen, in Bremerton Washington, while he was on leave from the US Navy. After Edwin was discharged from the Navy, they lived in California for a few years, where their oldest son, Jim, was born. They then moved to Omaha, Nebraska where Edwin completed technical schooling and then moved to Edgemont, where their second son Keith was born. In 1952 Edwin, Irene and their 2 boys moved out to the ranch that Edwin had purchased before enlisting in the Navy. Irene was home at last, only 3 miles from where she was raised and 2 miles from Edwin's childhood home. In 1954, their third son, Gary, was born; completing the family. It was here Edwin and Irene lived, ranched and raised their three sons. In the late 1950's, Irene again went to work for the government at the Black Hills Ordinance Depot in Igloo, SD until it closed in 1967.

Irene was the consummate ranch wife; cooking for her hungry men, gardening and canning the produce for winter, and baking at least seven loaves of bread every week.

Irene enjoyed knitting, crocheting and playing the old favorites on the piano. She was also active in the Sagebrush Pals extension club.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 42 years, Edwin, and a grandson, Nathan.

She is survived by her sons, Jim (Rose) of Hermosa, Keith (Marie) of rural Edgemont, and Gary (Connie) of Wright, Wyoming; eight grandchildren, Shawn Jones, Dane Dowen, Carrie, Clint and Brett Andersen, Angela (Mike) Tinker, Theron (Michelle) and Larry Andersen, and ten great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Thursday, March 18, 2010 at United Church, 401 4th St, Edgemont, SD, and burial will follow at the Edgemont Cemetery.

A Memorial has been established.

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