Shirley Elder

shirley elder

September 19, 1921 ~ March 1, 2017

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Served by: Luce, Luze & Reck Funeral Homes



Shirley Elder, 95, of Miller, passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at the Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital in Miller.

Memorial Service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller, with Rev. Matt Richards officiating. Burial followed at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller.

Shirley was born September 19, 1921 at St. Lawrence, South Dakota to Gwynne and Leah (McCormack) Thompson. She attended school in rural St. Lawrence and then later college at Wessington Springs. On December 15, 1942, she married Truman Elder in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho.

For five years, Shirley taught school in Hand County, for one year in Keystone, South Dakota, and then went on to be the secretary at the equalization office. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she served as secretary and organist for many years.

Survivors include her son, Jack (Mary) Elder of Sioux City, IA; daughter, Susan (Pat) Ryan of Flint, TX; and grandsons: Chris (Bernice) Elder of St. Paul, MN; Jess Elder of Washington, DC; Matt (Randi) Elder of Old Hickory, TN; and Dan (Taylor) Ryan of Flint, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Truman in 2000; two brothers, Duane and Dean; and one sister, Gwendolyn.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Shirley’s arrangements.

A Memorial Service was held on March 4, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Reck Funeral Home, 313 E. 1st Ave. in Miller, South Dakota 57362
A Graveside Service was held on March 4, 2017 at 3:00 PM at G.A.R. Cemetery, south Broadway Ave in Miller, South Dakota 57362

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  1. Oh Shirley my friend, what a dear loving, posative lady you are. I’ll cherish our faith conversations, you were/are a strong witness for Jesus. ♡♡♡ Thank you again for playing the piano at our wedding this March 18th, 55 years ago. ♡♡♡ when we all get to Heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be, when we all see Jesus we’ll sing and shout the victory. Farwell until we meet again. Judy andmerle

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  2. My sincere sympathy to the family of Shirley Elder.

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  3. Shirley is at peace and with Jesus now. It was an absolute privilege to care for her. She was one of the sweetest ladies I knew. Heaven is brighter with her there

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  4. Shirley was such an awesome lady. I had so much fun being around this wonderful woman. I would push her to the limit. And she was always ready for me. I am going to miss her so much. I will never forget the day she kept forgetting my name. I think it frustrated her that the word "Twerp" came up. We giggled for the longest time over that one. She would always call me "twerp", and of course, I would answer her. I was so blessed to have her in my corner of my life. Shirley you will be greatly missed.

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  5. I was a member of the Methodist Church most of my time in Miller. I met Shirley there; as I recall she was a wonderful organist. I enjoyed getting to know and visit with her at church events. Her friendly smile and outgoing nature will be remembered and missed by all who knew her!! Condolences and blessings to her family!

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  6. Jack & Susan and families We are sorry for your loss. Shirley was a very special lady to us and to the Meehan family. Shirley and my mom were such good friends and enjoyed each other’s company. We have fond memories of those two together. The last time lloyd and I visited Shirley she was playing the piano at the assured living. Her music was beautiful just as she was. I know my Aunt Berta Faye and Shirley were the best of friends. Shirley would call me and get all the information of my family so she could pass the news on to Berta We know that Shirley is with the Lord and reunited with Truman! How happy she must be to have Truman by her side. Shirley will be missed, but we will be reunited together again someday. May you keep the Love your Mother had for you, and the memories close. God Bless All of You❤ Paula(Meehan) Schwartz Lloyd Schwartz

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  7. My condolences to the family. It’s been many years since I attended the Methodist Church in Miller. Shirley playing the organ is one of my fondest memories from that time. She will be missed.

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  8. Dear Susie, Jack, and families: I dearly loved visiting with your Mom on Bingo Mondays. She always set at the table where I called and I so enjoyed our visits. She was a joyful person. So sorry I was unable to attend her service. My sympathy. Doris Schultz

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  9. Shirley was such a beautiful lady. I am blessed to have had the chance to know her. She had such a positive spin on everyone and made me feel good whenever I spent time with her.. I was so saddened today when heard of her passing and very sorry to have missed saying goodbye to her, and letting you know, Susie, how special she was to so many people. I will treasure my memories of her and want you to know my love and prayers are with you.

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  10. Shirley was such a precious lady. She was a wonderful neighbor to our mother (Irene Creager) and we thanked God every day for her. Our sympathy for your families, as you miss her place in your lives. May you find that peace in God’s hands. with love, Homer and Linda Creager

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