May 21, 1926 - June 26, 2022 

Jean Marie Donnell, 96, passed away June 26, 2022, at the Pine Hills Retirement Community in Hot Springs, S.D.

Jean was born May  21, 1926, at Pawnee City, Neb., the daughter of Ray and Ethel (Marshall) Benson. She grew to adult hood on the family farm, graduated from high school and attended Hastings College. She was working in Beatrice, Neb. when she met Carl Petty. They were married June 1, 1952 at Pawnee City. Carl was a farmer/rancher from the Oral, S.D. area, where they made their home. Carl died August 25, 1958. Jean moved to Hot Springs where she met and married John Donnell on November 20, 1959. John died March 14, 2002.

Jean retired as Administrative Secretary to the Superintendent of Wind Cave National Park after 35+ years of service. She was very active in the Hot Springs community where she served on the Hospital Board for 50+ years. She also worked with the Miss South Dakota pageant where she was a chaperone to the contestants for many years and other organizations.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Carl and John; sisters, Doris and Evelyn and brother, Albert.

She is survived by her sister, Irene Grell, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Jean’s beautiful smile will be remembered by many.

Committal services were held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D.

 A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Pine Hills Retirement Community in Hot Springs.

Memorials may be sent to Stillwater Hospice 3117 W. Rapid Street # 5, Rapid City, S.D. 57702

 Arrangements have been placed under the local direction of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, S.D. Condolences may be left at www.chamberlainmccolleys.com