Private family services will be held for Ardene O. Gilman, 96, of Chamberlain, SD formerly of Kennebec, SD.

Interment will be in the Riverview Cemetery at Chamberlain, SD.

In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established.

Ardene Otelia Gilman was born Sept. 1, 1923 to Walter and Amelia (Fisher) Lloyd in White Lake, SD. At the age of 10, her family moved to Kennebec where she attended school, graduating from Kennebec High School in 1941. After graduation, Ardene attended Southern Normal College in Springfield, SD to attain her certificate to teach school. She began teaching in rural schools in the Kennebec area, Castlewood, Arlington and Kennebec Elementary.

On one visit to town, local rancher, Wendell Gilman wondered where he could get a hot meal. A friend mentioned that the Lloyd family sometimes fed strays. It was there that Wendell met the love of his life as he ate a goose sandwich and she played the piano in the living room.

On December 29, 1949, Ardene was united in marriage to Wendell in Custer, SD. They resided on the original Gilman family homestead on Medicine Creek, north of Lyman, SD and in November 1950 they were blessed with a daughter, Wendy.  Ardene continued teaching at Chamberlain grade school and middle school. During school months, Ardene and Wendy lived in town going home to the "Ranch" on weekends and summer vacations. She retired once and was asked back to fill a vacant position, which turned into another five years. Her teaching career of 49 years was always a favorite topic to discuss. She held her colleagues in high regard and always smiled when reminiscing.

In 2010, Ardene and Wendell moved off the ranch and into Chamberlain where they enjoyed walking around town, going to the library and sharing a cheeseburger at Dairy Queen. They moved to Regency Retirement in 2012 where Ardene resided until May of 2018 when she moved to Sanford Care Center in Chamberlain. She passed away there on April 21, 2020.

Ardene and Wendell loved to dance. She enjoyed reading and music. She was an accomplished pianist and sometimes sang solos for church, where she was member of United Methodist Church in Kennebec. Ardene and Wendell's greatest joy was attending their grandkids' and great-grandkids' activities and proudly enjoyed their musical performances.

Survived by her daughter Wendy (Rod) Peterson of Pukwana. Three grandsons, Chisum (Cindy) Peterson, their daughters, Delaney and Kendall of Chamberlain. Cade (Erica) Peterson and son Memphis and daughter Rory of Pukwana. And Quin (Kelly) Peterson and their sons Cash, Colter and Chrome of Jenks, OK. She is also survived by her sister Betty Johnson of Orlando, FL and sister-in-law Maxine (Gilman) Koch of Huron, SD. As well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her husband of 64 years, Wendell in 2013, her parents, sister LaVonne and infant sister Zola Maria.