Reta Schell, age 80, of Spearfish, SD was called home to be with her Lord on September 12, 2026, Reta was born on February 14, 1946 to Truman (Dick) and Dorothy Jones in Belle Fourche, SD. She was the youngest of 4 siblings.

Reta’s family moved to Spearfish, SD where she attended school and graduated from Spearfish High School. She made the best of friends growing up and maintained and cherished those close friendships throughout her life. In 1964 she married Don Schell and from this union they were blessed with two children; their daughter Sunny and their son Ron.

Reta, along with her husband and children, had an adventurous life. For many years they ran a catering business, cooking for firefighters three meals per day throughout the Western U.S. She said it was very hard work, but so rewarding. She believed it taught her children not only a strong work ethic, but also responsibility, social skills, and how to give back to others.

Little Reta also was an avid hunter. Once she used her husband’s back as a prop to shoot her first moose.

In her later years, she lived in the Hickory House in Spearfish, where she was blessed with more friends. She was always baking cakes for birthday parties and spreading kindness with every opportunity. One of her friends said, “The biggest part of Reta is her heart.” Her beautiful smile would light up a room and make someone’s day brighter. Even in the hospital, she would give the nurses a sparkling smile (especially the male nurses), then she would have them wrapped around her little finger.

Reta will always be a special part of all who loved her. She will be fondly remembered for her kind heart, positive attitude, gratefulness, sense of humor (with a little bit of feistiness), cooking talent, work ethic, her ability to forgive, and to put others’ needs above her own. A quote by Reta, “Never sit in anger or you will always have a side of regret.”

Survivors include her children; Sunny Schell (Terri) of Pine Haven, Wy, Ron Schell (Rena) of Sundance Wy, sister; Ardis Piper of Bozeman, Mt. Grandchildren; Kyndell Schell (Jay), Kole Schell (Tessa), Paige Campell (Michael), Brandyn Allen, Joseph Ferguson, and Devin Warren. Great-grandchildren are Shyla, Zoey, Nazarena, and Gabriella. Grand-pups are Hope and Faith. Reta was also a beloved Auntie to many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband Don and her second husband Gary, her parents; Dick and Dorothy Jones; brother Bob Jones (Shirley) and sister Lois Kellogg (Keith).

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at Spearfish Humane Society.

Reta’s memorial service will be held at Solid Rock Church in Spearfish, SD on Sunday, October 4 at 2:00. After the service you are welcome to join family and friends for coffee and cookies.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest register and leave written condolences at WestRiverFD.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dean Moncur and the compassionate staff of West River Funeral Directors in Rapid City, South Dakota.