Ardene Louise Pekoske left on her final journey October 9, 2023. Born May 4, 1938 to Laverne and Archie Crago, and Delphine and John Smits in Armour South Dakota. Ardene Crago Smits married Richard Kuil in 1955 and they had two boys, Allen Ray and David Lee. They divorced after a few years. She then married Dan Pekoske on June 6, 1962 and they had one daughter, Sheila Kaye. They raised their family of 5 in Rapid City, however they divorced in 1983. In 1987 she met her forever person, Steve Dippert. Ardene and Steve spent the rest of their days together enjoying music, motorcycle rides and their puppy Misty. When she got sick and had many bouts in the hospital, Steve was always by her side. Her health rapidly deteriorated this year. She was admitted to the hospital July 25th and then went to Spearfish Canyon Hospice August 18 until she passed away on October 9, 2023.

Ardene had a full life and many changes with being in the best decades of the past. She was in her late teens during the 1950’s, mid-twenties in the 1960’s, was able to choose the country music route in the 70’s, watched her daughter grow up in the 80’s, grand children started in the 90’s and all the changes that came with the elderly in 2000 to 2023. She was still old school and more than satisfied with the ol’ flip phone she had.

Ardene worked at multiple positions in her career. She worked at Newberry’s department store in down-town Rapid City. When they closed the doors, she then worked at Mayflower Moving as a bookkeeper for many years before going to South Dakota Gold. Her final job was at the hospital prepping materials for surgeries. However, she did have a love of numbers and the bookkeeping aspect.

Ardene is survived by her forever partner Steve Dippert, daughter Sheila (Lany) Reber and grandchildren Taylor (Dylan), Wyatt (Erica), Sami (Nate) Maxwell, great grandchildren Natalie and Nathan Maxwell, Allen’s daughter Jennifer Kuil, and son David Kuil of Wittman Az.

Ardene is proceeding in death by her parents, son Allen Kuil and grandson Jason Kuil. There will be a visitation at 9:00 am at Behrens Wilson Funeral Home followed by a small family graveside service at Mt. View Cemetery at 10:00 am.