Michaela Novella Hyde

Funeral service for Michaela Hyde will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2020 at Walker Funeral Home, interment to follow at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. To protect the health and safety of all, services are currently limited to 10 people in attendance as required by state authorities and CDC. We encourage you to view the service as it will be streamed live on our website; www.gillettememorialchapel.com; a link will be attached to Michaela’s obituary page. Michaela Novella Hyde, age 86, went to be with the Lord and join Doug, the love of her life, on Monday, April 13, 2020. She was born on September 29, 1933, to Norman and Theresa Olson. She was raised on her grandparents’ farm, Paul & Otilla Pitlick, in West Sully County, South Dakota.  Michaela graduated from Pierre High School in Pierre, SD, and received her teaching certificate at Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, SD. At the tender age of 18, Michaela returned to Western Sully County where she taught at Fairbank, a one room schoolhouse for grades 1-8. Michaela found her passion in learning and educating others. This passion for knowledge and research would follow her throughout life.  To the point in later life, after multiple moves, her son-in-law jokingly but lovingly told her his back couldn’t take moving her library of books any longer.  While in her second year of teaching, cruising the streets of Onida, Michaela met the man that would become the love of her life, and on July 27, 1953, they were married. Doug was her balance and they became a testament that life is not always easy, but with the Lord and hard work you can make it through anything. Michaela continued to teach (even after starting their family) earning $200 a month. They raised their 4 children while working their family farm and resided there until November of 1977. This was when their next business venture led them to Spearfish, SD where they owned and operated the State’s #1 ranked Assisted Living Care Home for Veteran’s from 1977 until 1985.  They went on to reside in Colorado, Texas and Gillette, Wyoming. Throughout Michaela’s life, she was known and honored for many things.  She was the Monarch of her family and a force to be reckoned with.  She had always wanted a large family and this dream became reality with her marriage to Doug. Her family instantly went from 3 sisters to the addition of Doug’s 9 siblings who lovingly called her Mickey. She cherished each and every one of her newfound family. Throughout life, her family would continue to grow and come to fruition by her welcoming anyone to join. She was determined, strong-willed, loyal to the Lord and her family, and a prayer warrior.  She was an amazing cook who loved to collect and try new recipes. Michaela loved to go for rides, hold hands with Doug and enjoy the beauty of nature. Together Michaela and Doug taught their children to love the Lord, life and family.  They shared a depth of love for each other that many have never experienced.  Their love and marriage was a true testament and example for their family. Michaela will be missed. She is survived by her four children and spouses; Mike, Gwen Molder (Robert), Lynn (Denise), and Curtis (Pamela). She also had eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren and three siblings; Ellen Kalinay, Eva Hageman-Schultz and Mary Olson. In-Laws; Connie Hyde, Delite Klinkhammer, Darwin (Kay), David, Darrell (Darla), Craig (Peggy), Cynthia Niemi (John).She was preceded in death by her loving husband Doug Hyde, her parents Norman and Theresa Olson, grandparents Paul and Otilla Pitlick,  in-laws: Russell and Wava Hyde, Roger Kalinay, Dallas Hyde, Leroy Hyde, Sharon Maroney, Steve Schultz and Kurt Klinkhammer. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com

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