Paulette Ezernack

Paulette L. Ezernack was born June 24, 1943, in Hot Springs, S.D., to Paul and Eloise Gull. As a young girl she grew up on Indian Creek in Nebraska where she developed her love of animals.

At the age of 12, the family moved to Edgemont, S.D., where she graduated in 1961 and later attended beautician school in Rapid City, S.D., and earned her degree.

While attending, she met and married James W. Ezernack on Aug. 25, 1963. They served their country as an Air Force family. After several years she eventually settled down in Edgemont where she lived the remainder of her life.

Paulette served her community in many ways throughout her life. She was a custodian for the Edgemont School District (ESD), used her degree as a hair dresser, spent many years  as a courier for the Rapid City Journal, clerked at many businesses and enjoyed driving buses for ESD, Edgemont senior citizens and Pine Hills Retirement Community. She always showed love and devotion to her family and friends.

Paulette died Nov. 1, 2012, at Rapid City Regional Hospital with her family by her side. She was  69.

She was preceded in death by her father, Paul V. Gull; and her daughter, Christi Lea.

Paulette is survived by her mother, Eloise Gull of Custer, S.D.; four children, Kristi (Kevin) Whitsett of Carthage, Texas, Tonya (Ken) Castleman of Abilene, Texas, Shaun Ezernack and Melissa Veil of Houston, Texas, and Shanon (Jeremy) Bryan of Rapid City; 14 grandchildren, Samantha Komes, Tyler (Jena) Whitsett, Ashley (Jody) Harris, Jacob Whitsett, Ryan and Amanda Castleman, Brianna Jo, Josh and Joslyn Bryan and Kris, Jon, and Kim Komes; and her significant other, Dennis Hubble. 

Services were Nov. 5 with the Rev. John McKnight officiating. Burial followed at Edgemont Cemetery.

The family supports memorials to Battle Mountain Humane Shelter, 27254 Wind Cave Road, Hot Springs, SD, 57747.

Condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.