Shirley Meeks

Shirley Meeks, 78, of Sioux Falls and formerly of Gettysburg, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. 

Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 27, 2015 at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg with Pastor Jeff Adel officiating. Burial followed in the Gettysburg Cemetery.

Shirley Mae Palmer was born June 19, 1937 in Gettysburg, SD to Lawrence and Alvena (Martz) Palmer. She attended school in the Gettysburg area, graduating in 1955. Shirley went on to receive certificates in Early Childhood and Rural Education from Northern State Teachers College. She taught in Stewart, MN, Pierre and Gettysburg.

On June 14, 1959, Shirley was united in marriage to Elmer “Vern” Meeks. They made their home in Gettysburg, but have also lived in Faulkton and Sioux Falls. Through the years, Shirley has been a teacher, high school librarian and Potter County Librarian.

Shirley kept busy with her family and enjoyed staying in contact with her high school and college friends. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Eastern Star.

She is survived by her son, Brad (Terri) Meeks, Steamboat Springs, CO; grandchildren: Devon and Mariah; step grandchildren: Mitchell Hoy and Ari Hoy; step great grandchildren: Juniper Hoy and Berlyn Hoy; daughter, Belinda (Todd) Martinmaas, Brandon, SD; grandchildren: Trevor, Garret, and Briana; brother, Ed (Kathy) Palmer, Grasston, MN; brother-in-law: Ken (Marilyn) Meeks, Ames, IA; sister-in-law: Grace Hart, Redland, CA; and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Vern Meeks; her parents: Lawrence Palmer and Alvena Breen; and stepfather, Ervin Breen.

Condolences can be sent to the family at 2716 E Sunflower St, Brandon, SD, 57005.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Shirley’s arrangements.