Jennie Dooley

Jennie Marie Dooley, a devoted mother, grandmother and friend, was born Nov. 25, 1945 at the family farm near Oldham, S.D., to Edward and Allie Becker. 
She attended a country school with her siblings until fifth grade and graduated from Oldham High School.  Jennie moved around a bit until landing in Custer, S.D., where she raised her three sons, who were the light of her life.  She later moved to Pringle, S.D., where she took pride in having the best backyard in the neighborhood.
Jennie was a loving mother/grandmother and lived her life for her children and grandchildren.  She raised her three boys to be adventurous, independent and respectful. While they spent hours exploring in the woods, she cleaned up the house and made a home-cooked meal before going to work each night.  She encouraged the same traits in her grandchildren as she made toy bows and arrows out of branches.  She loved spoiling them whenever she could.
Jennie had an incredible work ethic, and always gave her employers and customers her best. People enjoyed seeing her smiling face and positive energy when she was the manager of the Big D gas station.  Later, she was a compassionate home health aide, and went above and beyond the duties of the job. She was also happy to help her neighbors with cleaning or other household tasks. Her love of animals led her to finish her working career as a cleaner at Southern Hills Animal Clinic. 
As Jennie’s health declined and she visited the hospital more frequently, the staff would greet her by name with a smile on their face and an embrace.  Jennie passed away July 4, 2026, in Custer.  
She is survived by her three sons, Jim Dooley, Frank (Mindy) Dooley and Danny (Eleisha) Dooley; by her five grandchildren,   Chance, Wyatt, Kadense (Miles), Ayden and Easton; and by her siblings, whom she remained close with until the end, Fritz Rusher, Betty Potas and Edward (Kay) Becker. 
She was preceded in death by her parents,  Edward and Allie Becker; by her siblings, Mary Becker, Thomas Becker, and Patricia Petrizzo; and by her siblings-in-law,  Bob Rusher, Wayne Potas, Colleen Becker and Jack Petrizzo.
Jennie will be remembered for her kind heart, her willingness to help others, and her love of hammocks.  
A celebration of life is scheduled at Custer Lutheran Fellowship Aug. 8 at 11 a.m. Please join family and friends in a time of memory sharing and refreshments afterwards.