LeAnn Vette

LeAnn Vette is an exceptionally talented and vivacious individual with a grand lust for life. She is a beautiful soul inside and out and has been kind enough to share some of her wisdom with our class.

LeAnn was born on February 16, 1956, in Deadwood S.D. However, she grew up right here in Spearfish and has lived here most of her life. Throughout her academic career, LeAnn was involved in many sports and activities, such as: track, basketball, volleyball, softball, choir and student council. She consistently preaches to youth to stay involved as much as possible; that extraordinary opportunities for education and growth are missed if you remain inactive. She declares, “Life is so much more rewarding if you stay involved!”

LeAnn was born the youngest of five children to strong and kind-hearted parents, Leo and Regina McGuigan. Tragedy struck when LeAnn’s older sister passed away, leaving the family completely devastated. At the time of her death, LeAnn’s sister had a young child. Through the darkness came light, however, when LeAnn’s parents adopted their grandchild and LeAnn gained a younger sister.

After graduating from Spearfish High School, LeAnn attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. where, inspired by her own middle/high school PE teacher, she pursued a degree in Physical Education with a minor in Recreation. Surely, there are many fond memories from her time spent on college campus, though, one she adores the most is when she met her husband, Lloyd. They shared a class, and for their first ‘date’, they completed an assignment by visiting the recreational facilities on campus and writing a report together. And, as the saying goes, “The rest is history.”

After college, LeAnn was delighted to accept her first teaching position as a P.E. instructor in Custer, S.D. where she taught for four years before moving back to Spearfish, where she has been ever since. Go Spartans!! She continued her love of education by teaching and coaching from 1982 until she retired in 2016.

Everyone who has had an opportunity to know LeAnn is better because of it. She has a genuine passion for others and for her community. Being retired, as those closest to her fondly proclaim, is not one of her greatest strengths. She is consistently active teaching classes at Black Hills State University, supervising student teachers, and helping with NAEP testing. One of LeAnn’s favorite activities in retirement is participating in her workout class at the rec center. She is also highly fond of coffee and staying in touch with friends. Her character, dedication and passion for life, earned her an invitation to participate in the Elder’s Wisdom program so that her vision may live on through the eyes of the youth in her community.

Together with her husband, Lloyd, LeAnn has created a beautiful family. She has three children, Brianne, Tori, and Randy, who have also blessed them with 10 grandchildren to love and adore. They are all her pride and joy. She has shared vast wisdom with us about creating an exquisite life. “One little thing can go a long way,” is a notion that she holds dear. Her compassion for others is just one reason we admire LeAnn, notably because she prefers to do so anonymously. She encouraged us to, “stay involved with activities and take advantage of opportunities” and that she hopes to inspire others to do better by sharing her story. Advice that we agree is essential.

LeAnn is genuinely one of a kind. She is an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, sister, mentor, and friend. She continues to share her insight each and every day with all those lucky enough to be in her presence.

Thank you, LeAnn, for answering all of our questions, sharing your story, and offering us guidance and encouragement to shape our lives as extraordinarily as you have. We will continue your legacy by living our lives to their fullest each and every day.