Valerie Gallagher

Valerie Gallagher, 66, of Faulkton and formerly of Pierre, passed away on the morning of Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Faulkton Healthcare Center.

Born on June 10, 1959, in Pierre, South Dakota, to Bill and Bev (Buzay) Gallagher, Valerie grew up on the family ranch south of Highmore with her brothers, Bill Jr. and Thomas. From a young age she helped with ranch chores, caring for sheep, lambs, and bottle calves—her favorite being a calf named Sweety Pie—which sparked her lifelong love of animals. She attended Highmore Elementary School and graduated from Highmore High School.

After graduation, Valerie lived independently in several communities including Miller, Rapid City, and Huron before settling in Pierre in the 1980s. She worked for various businesses, honing her skills as a typist and forming many lasting friendships. In her free time she enjoyed swimming laps at the YMCA, watching Scooby-Doo and Little House on the Prairie, solving crossword puzzles, coloring, and reading. She was an enthusiastic Green Bay Packers and WWE wrestling fan, especially when sharing those moments with the nieces and nephew she often babysat.

A fiercely independent woman, Valerie took great pride in maintaining her own apartment and caring for herself. She was always ready to help her family and had a playful spirit, often stirring up gentle mischief, particularly when it involved her beloved Diet Coke and candy. For the past five years she made her home at Faulkton Senior Living, where she became a favorite among staff and residents alike. She remained faithful in attending Catholic services and cherished regular visits from her nieces, great-nieces, and nephews.

Valerie is survived by her father, Bill Gallagher Sr.; her brothers, Bill Jr. (Karen) Gallagher and Thomas (Kay Ferraro) Gallagher; her sister-in-law, Bonnie (Lahren) Gallagher; her nieces, Renee (Malakai), Nerissa (Ron), Morgan (Cole), Hannah, and Destiny; her nephew, Adam (Laurie); great-niece Laney; and great-nephews Emrich, Jax, Cooper, and Heaton. She was preceded in death by her mother, Bev (Buzay) Gallagher; her nephew, Andrew Gallagher; her grandparents; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She will be remembered for her independence, her deep love of animals, and the quiet joy she found in life’s simple pleasures. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.