It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Claire E. O'Neill, 74, of Spearfish, SD — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
Here is what we wish the world to know of Claire.
Claire entered this world in 1951 — the start of a journey that would span 75 years.
Claire held deeply to the Presbyterian faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
The traditions Claire loved will continue to hold those she loved.
Claire Elaine O'Neill, 74, passed away peacefully at Rapid City Monument Hospital on May 4th 2026, after a three-year courageous battle with cancer, she was surrounded by her loving family and friends.Born on August 29, 1951, in Deadwood, South Dakota Claire was the oldest child of Clifford and Jacqueline Johnson. Her brother Scott Johnson and parents grew up and resided in Whitewood where Claire would go on to graduate from Sturgis High School and would eventually become a Yellow Jacket at Black Hills State University in 1969. There she would go on to earn her bachelor's degree in elementary education and soon after marrying Kris LeDuc. They resided in Spearfish where she began her teaching career. Claire taught kindergarten for five years and would eventually move on to teach third grade for another five years until they welcomed their two children Stacey LeDuc-Lust and Jordan LeDuc she then became a full time stay at home mom. Claire's main focus in life was being the best mother that she could be, she dedicated her life to caring for her kids and family and creating a home filled with love, laughter and support. Her and Kris were married for 23 years then later divorced. She then began dating the love of her life Danny O'Neill of Spearfish in 2002 where they would go on to marry and lived happily for the next 21 years.Danny and Claire had so much in common they loved spending time with their kids and grandkids they were their pride and joys and biggest accomplishments; they loved to get out and take their annual Sunday afternoon drives in the corvette up the canyon, they so enjoyed their weekly Friday night dinners with their best friends, she loved hosting family gathering and just so enjoyed sitting out on their deck having a glass of wine, they were so in love. Another one of Claire's love and passion was the Presbyterian Church in Whitewood. Claire not only grew up in this church, but she would go on to become a pinnacle role, she often would read scripture most Sundays, would lead Tuesday bible studies at home and would even fill in as a Pastor when needed. She loved the Lord and was so honored to be a part of that organization. Throughout the years Claire taught her family that strength means asking for help, that vulnerability is courage and that you can be terrified and brave at the same time. Claire is leaving behind a legacy of compassion, resilience and joy. She was a loving mother, grandmother, wife, sister and friend whose kindness touched everyone she met. We remember Claire for her fierce love, her never- ending love for her kids and grandkids, Danny of course and the refusal to let cancer define her in her final years.A longtime resident of Spearfish, she was preceded in death by her father Clifford Johnson, mother Jacqueline Johnson and brother Scott Johnson. She is survived by her husband Danny O'Neill of Spearfish; children Stacey Lust (Steven) of Aberdeen SD, Jordan LeDuc (Calie) Story, WY; step-daughters Shena Harrison (Leaf) Missoula, MT, and Katie O'Neill (Lucus Barraza ) Lake Elsinore, CA; and three grandchildren Carter, Regan and Tiegen Lust and two step-grandchildren Hendrix and Hazel Harrison.Visitation will be held from 4-6 PM on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Funeral services will be at 11:30 PM on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Whitewood. Reception to follow immediately after funeral at Hale Hall in Whitewood located next to Bullwhackers. Burial will take place at 2:00 PM at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Whitewood Presbyterian Church in memory of Claire.Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com
