Pauline Marian Davis
Pauline M. Davis, 87, Spearfish, died, Sunday September 12, 2021, at the Garden Hills Assisted Living in Spearfish.
She was born, March 1, 1934, to James and Ruby (Olson) Gray, in Dupree, SD. Pauline grew up on a farm south of Dupree. She attended Dupree school participating in numerous activities and sports. While attending school she boarded with Mrs. McInerny, cooking in her restaurant in exchange for room and board. Following graduation in 1952, Pauline taught country school at Sunnybrook for half the school year.
Pauline married Harold V. Davis in Dupree on December 25, 1952. In July 1954 Arlie was born in Dupree and in August 1959 Roxie was born in Deadwood. Following their marriage Pauline kept busy helping Harold operate Davis Gas and Appliance all while farming and ranching on the family homestead north of Dupree.
Pauline was the South Dakota Rodeo Association Secretary and Treasurer from 1967 until she retired in the fall of 1978, taking entries, getting chute cards, judges’ cards and all the paperwork ready for the rodeos, and if asked, she would print all the programs as well. Often she would be found timing the events and acting as rodeo secretary as well. She was also in charge of tallying all the results, keeping track of points and seeing that it was all forwarded to the next weekend’s committee. Pauline was honored by the Casey Tibbs Foundation as Honorary Rodeo Secretary/Timer in 2008. She also was a member of the United Church of Christ in Dupree and the Rebecka Lodge in Dupree.
Harold and Pauline sold Davis Gas and Appliance in 1976. They began traveling between SD and NV, spending winters in Las Vegas and summers in SD. While in SD they farmed and ranched with Arlie and Janie. Her cooking at Mrs. McInerney’s restaurant must have been a profound experience as she and Harold opened and operated a Drive Inn in Dupree following her retirement from SDRA. They operated the Drive Inn during the summers into the 80’s. Pauline also spent as much time as she could with her 5 grandchildren.
After the sale of the Drive Inn Pauline and Harold lived in Las Vegas year-round. Pauline worked as a restaurant hostess as well as working for an independent company that investigated employee theft throughout Nevada. She could be found investigating in casinos, casino gift shops and bars, as well as convenience stores, gas stations and many other businesses. Her job was to discover how the theft was taking place and documenting for possible prosecution. Harold and Pauline along with her sister Dorothy and brother-in-law Norman purchased and operated a restaurant in Las Vegas until health concerns for her sister Dorothy forced them to sell. She dedicated her time to caring for Dorothy until her death. Following Dorothy’s death, she began working part time in the office at Kings Row Trailer Park until Harold’s death in 2001. Pauline returned to Red Owl, SD living there until her health forced her to move into Sturgis. Pauline fell and broke her hip and then moved to Spearfish living at Garden Hills Assisted Living until her death.
Throughout her life, no matter where she lived her family was of utmost importance. She traveled to many basketball games and rodeos to watch her grandchildren and great grandchildren for as long as her health allowed. She enjoyed buying and selling antique glass ware and oak furniture. Pauline loved playing Bingo both in Las Vegas and with her sister Lilah in Eagle Butte. Rodeo remained a passion for Harold and Pauline, they attended the National Finals rodeo from 1985 when the NFR moved to Las Vegas until after Harold’s death. She continued to follow SD cowboys and cowgirls for many years. It has been said she kept her fellow assisted living neighbors awake into the night watching the Cowboy Channel.
Survivors include her son Arlie (Janie) Davis, daughter Roxie (Bret) Stambach, brother Harvey (Judy) Gray, sister Lilah (Bill) Bosley, brother-in-law Norman Mutchler, sister-in-law Donna Davis, grandchildren; Zach (Kim) Davis, Josh (Craig Comes) Davis, Austin (Amanda) Stambach, Marty (Courtney) Stambach, Crystal (Dustin) Jewett; great grandchildren Kaydin, Kamry, Karly, & Karsyn Davis, Robert, Travis, Hunter, Tyler, Dayten Stambach, Jewel & Justice Weber, Trayden & Traeg Stambach, Raelyn, Adalyn, & Irelyn Aberle, Taylee, Andrea, & Harper Jewett and great-great grandchild Alaia Stambach and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her friend John P. Miller, Red Owl SD.
Pauline is preceded in death by her husband, Harold; parents, James & Ruby Gray; brother, James Gray; and sister, Dorothy Gray-Muchler,
The family would like to thank Lori Fritz, CNP; Dave, Kim and all the Garden Hills Assisted Living staff; and the Monument Hospice staff for the wonderful care given during Pauline’s final days
A memorial Service was held on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.
