Caryl Haines Johnson Schone

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Obituary

Caryl Schone, 94, of White Lake, SD, died Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, April 26, at United Methodist Church in White Lake. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7:00 PM at the church with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Caryl Haines Johnson Schone was the youngest of three children born to Lain and Rose (Pexa) Haines on March 29, 1928, in Mitchell, SD. Her life was forever impacted by the experiences of growing up on a small farm north of White Lake during the Great Depression. Her early education began by attending Pleasant Valley, a small country school a few miles from her home. She graduated from White Lake High School in 1946 and taught school for two years until she married her brother Orville’s, friend and hunting partner, Edgar Johnson on June 17, 1948. They made their home on the KO Ranch west of Crow Lake. They were blessed with two children, Vincent Lee, and Jerri Lynn. Edgar tragically lost his life as a result of a farm accident in 1959. Caryl’s strength and love carried her forward raising their children both at KO Ranch and in White Lake. 

On July 1, 1968, Caryl was united in marriage to Ted Schone at a ‘secret’ ceremony that turned into a surprise family celebration. Less than two years later, her faith and resolve were tested a second time when Ted died in a farm accident on March 2, 1970. Even though their life together was too short, she gained a wonderful family bond with Ted’s brother, Chuck, Gwen Schone, their five children, and his sisters, Rose Marie and Mary Lou and families.   

While nearing retirement, Caryl found a new joy in her life with Raymond Sharping and enjoyed their adventures together for the next several years. They explored most of South Dakota while attending auctions and socializing. When they were not traveling, they were supervising activities (and Caryl’s grandkids) at the Pukwana Ballroom. All too soon, Raymond passed away in the spring of 1998. 

Caryl’s career spanned many years working in the White Lake School office and later as a legal secretary for the Miller and Sebastian Law Firm. She took every opportunity she had to travel by car, bus, or plane exploring new places and visiting those she loved. She traveled from west coast to east coast, to Alaska and Europe. She was a faithful friend to her church family and had many life-long friends. They joined her in Fortnightly Club, American Legion Auxiliary, UNMC Women, and walks at the school.  

Caryl will forever be remembered for her love, wisdom, strength, faith, joy, and remarkable memory that came from living a long, full life. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and friends will always remember her warmth, smile and how she made each feel special.

She is survived by her children, Vincent (Marge) Johnson and Jerri Johnson (Bob Gripp); five grandchildren, Tammie Herrlein, Terena (Brad) Mathis, Justin (Annie) Johnson, Valorie (Andy) Dupraz, and Chelsie (Lance) Thiry; fifteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Edgar Johnson and Ted Schone; parents, Lain and Rose Haines; brother, Orville Haines; sister, Mary Schmidt; and grandson-in-law, Michael Herrlein.

Because of her love of reading, memorials will be used to fund the White Lake Library and other local services.

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