Eileen Hanks

Dates

Obituary

Eileen Hanks, 93, of White Lake, SD, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Edgewood Assisted Living in Mitchell. Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 7, at Bittner Funeral Chapel, with visitation one hour prior.

Eileen Hanks, daughter of Howard and Helen (Schmidt) Sterrett, was born on December 16, 1932, in Dell Rapids, SD. She was the oldest of three children: Franklin was born on November 28, 1934, and Dakota was born on January 13, 1937. The family moved to Wessington Springs when she was very young, and she attended grade school in Lane, SD, until the 4th grade, then moved to White Lake, where she graduated from high school in 1950.

She married John Everett Hanks on November 26, 1950. Their journey together began at the Underwood United Methodist Church, a place that remained close to Eileen’s heart for more than 70 years. She also faithfully served the United Methodist Church of White Lake and the United Methodist Women, quietly living her faith through service, kindness, and devotion.

Eileen lived a life rooted in deep faith, tireless love, creativity, and a wonderful sense of humor that brightened everyone around her. Eileen had a quick wit and an infectious laugh. She loved to joke, to tease, and to bring joy into everyday moments. Her creativity flowed through everything she did, from quilting, painting, and sewing to helping make masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, always thinking of others. Music was another lifelong passion; she played the piano and found deep joy in sharing music with those she loved. When pheasant hunting season came around she could be found outside cleaning the birds.

Hard work was simply part of who Eileen was. She and John ran the Crow Lake Store for 16 years before purchasing a dairy farm north of White Lake where she milked cows for 20 years. Some of her most cherished gifts came from the kitchen, where her homemade cinnamon rolls made with love became a symbol of her generosity and warmth. John died of a heart attack on January 5, 1988.

In her later years, Eileen endured profound loss with quiet strength.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son Gordon, who passed away on December 30, 2025, just one month before her own passing; her son Lyle, who died on April 2, 2024; her infant great-granddaughter, Scarlett, on January 21, 2011; and her daughter-in-law, Roberta, who passed away on October 8, 2005.

Eileen leaves behind her children, Michael (Mick) Hanks (Kathy), Deb Knight, Wayne Hanks, and Eric (Carol) Hanks; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Each of them carries forward her legacy of faith, humor, resilience, and love.

Eileen will be remembered for her generous spirit, her steady devotion to family and community, and the warmth she shared so freely through her many gifts. Red was her favorite color, so wear a touch of red in her honor. And perhaps nothing captured her spirit better than the red sticker on the old barn door that said it all: “Have a Happy Day.”

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