Noreen Inez Petty, 69, passed away at her daughter's home in Omaha, NE after a nearly 2-year, courageous battle against cancer.
Noreen was born July 12, 1940, in Rapid City, SD to Kenneth and Leone Pitts. The family moved to Hot Springs when she was 6 to run Kenny's Bakery. She married David G. Eldridge, MD, April 4, 1960. To this union three children were born, Melodie, Melani "Sam", and Nicolette. Noreen was widowed in 1978 but was fortunate to have a second chance at love with Paul Jean Petty. They were married July 5, 1980, blending families that had been friends for years.
Noreen believed in serving the Lord by helping others. She was on the Hot Springs and South Dakota Boards of Education for many years; the Board of the Black Hills Special Services, and Mammoth Site board. Noreen was president of the Fall River 4-H Leaders Association, and then served as secretary to the State Leaders Association. She was a 4-H Leader for over 20 years and enjoyed working with the young people. She worked with Extension and was a member of the Angostura Homesteaders for many years, until Extension Clubs ceased.
She is a member of Kiwanis, the Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee, and a board member of Fall River Health Services, her special passion.
She was active in her church in Smithwick and was a Certified Lay Speaker for the United Methodist Church. Prior to her illness she was actively working on the Extension-sponsored program called Horizons. While in Omaha she was an active member of Christ's Family Church.
She served as director of Hot Springs Housing Authority for more than 20 years, until her retirement in 2005.
Noreen is survived by her daughters, Melodie (Bruce) Lichty of Brookings, SD; Melani (Don) Greer, Omaha, NE; Nicollette (Dan) Deschamp, Mission, British Columbia, Canada; Linda (Mike) Richter, Townsend, MT; Lesta (Tom) Conger, Buffalo Gap, SD; a nephew whom she thought of as a son, Jim (Sheryl) Birdsall, Hot Springs, SD; two brothers, Merle (Jerri) Pitts of Aurora, CO and Kenny (Zoha) Pitts of Fremont, CA; many nieces and nephews, 17 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild.
A memorial has been established for the Hot Springs Kiwanis Dental Bus, which provides free dental services to underprivileged youth in Hot Springs. Contributions can be made c/o Melodie Lichty, 28056 Recreation Road, Hot Springs, SD 57747.
Visitation will be Monday, August 31, 6 p.m. at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs.
The celebration of her life will be held at the United Churches , Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 10:00 a.m with Dr. J. Edwin Coates and Pastor Morris Nelson officiating.
Lunch will be served at the United Churches following the service. Burial at Horsehead Cemetary will take place after lunch, at approximately 1:00 p.m.

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.