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In memory of

Shirley Parsons

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Monday, November 18, 2013 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City at the age of 82

Shirley A. Eymer was born September 10, 1931, in Midland, South Dakota, the daughter of Robert Keith and Laura Ellen (Hand) Eymer. She grew up in the Milesville area, where she attended rural school. She then attended Philip High School, graduating in 1949.

Shirley was united in marriage to Howard “Did” Parsons on August 6, 1950, in Philip, South Dakota. Shirley continued her college education, obtaining her Teachers Certificate. After college, she taught in the Milesville area, waiting for Did to return home from Korea. During that time, Shirley was able to teach her youngest sister, Diane.

After Did’s return, Shirley and Did worked on the Robert Eymer ranch in Milesville, before they moved to Hermosa, where she worked with Did ranching and raising her family. In 1966, the family moved to Eureka, Montana, where Shirley continued her teaching career in a one-room rural school house. Shirley made a special bond with the kids she taught those years, as they would make a special point many years later to keep in contact with Shirley. Shirley also taught piano lessons, and was very active in starting the 4-H organization in that area.

In 1980, Shirley and Did moved back to Philip, which was her desire from the day she left. Shirley continued to influence many lives, as the Haakon County Clerk of Courts. She had the opportunity to marry many couples, and served as judge in small cases, at certain times. Shirley continued at this position until her retirement.

Throughout her life, Shirley was very active in her church, serving on various boards and positions, most recently at the United Church in Philip. She was also a member of the Bad River Senior Citizens Center, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Order of Eastern Star, and also was very active in the Montana Cattlewomen during their ranching years. Shirley enjoyed bowling, playing cards, and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Shirley loved going to new places, but getting there was a different story. Shirley thrived on being busy, whether it was bookkeeping for different places, or lending a hand wherever needed. Shirley took a leadership role in anything she did in her life.

Shirley’s grandkids and great-grandkids were the highlight of her life, and she always looked forward to their visits. The fact that many of her grandchildren continued their education was a real sense of pride to Shirley.

Survivors include three sons Neil Parsons of Sidney, Montana, Don Parsons of Great Falls, Montana, and Lee Parsons of Eureka, Montana; three daughters Sandra Janzen and her husband Kim of Helena, Montana, Susan Stapley and her husband Steve of Columbia Falls, Montana, and Tammie Kruger and her husband Don of Bowman, North Dakota; 21 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one brother Donald Eymer and his wife Marcia of Milesville; one sister Sharon Coyle of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Howard “Did” Parsons on February 19, 2010; a granddaughter Leah Stapley; a sister Dianne Schurr; six brothers-in-law Robert “Bob” Coyle, and Quentin “Dude”, Leland “Turk”, Glen, Bill and Frank Parsons; and two sisters-in-law Edna Blake and Mabel Fox; and one niece Joan Eymer.

Visitation was held 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, November 20, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the legion hall on Thursday.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 21, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Private family interment will be held at the Milesville Cemetery.

A memorial has been established to the Bad River Senior Citizens Center and the Milesville Cemetery.


Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, November 20, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip
Funeral services: 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 21, at the American Legion Hall in Philip.
Private family interment: Milesville Cemetery.

  • Was so sorry to hear of Shirley's death. She was a lady that I looked up to. She will be so missed at the senior center. She did a wonderful job of keeping things going down there. The card players won't have their "know it gal". I know that you have wonderful memories that you can look back on as you go through the the days and weeks ahead. God Bless you.
     ~ Shirley Dennis Philip, SD (11/18/2013)
  • Shirley was a wonderful woman and she will be missed by many. She is rejoicing in Heaven with Did. May you all find comfort in your memories of her. God bless! ~ Val & Karl Schul Philip, SD (11/18/2013)
  • What a nice picture of your Mom. She will be greatly missed by many! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. See you Thursday. ~ Donna Rausch Tolstoy, SD (11/18/2013)
  • I was my pleasure to know Shirley, If it wasn't for bowling I may have missed out on a wonderful friendship. Shirley was always happy to see you and made you feel welcomed. We bowled wed. mornings and mon. nights. Rest in the peace of Christ Shirley. ~ Jackie Shull Wall (11/18/2013)
  • To Shirley's loved ones, our hearts hurt along with yours at having to say goodbye to Shirley. I always thought I wanted to be just like her "when I grow up". She was ever the helper and gentle mentor, yet strong. May you feel the arms of our "Great Comforter" around you. God bless you all. ~ Kenny & Lyndy Ireland Philip, SD (11/18/2013)
  • I have many fond memories of Shirley, as she and my grandmother Phyllis were very close. Many days watching them play bridge and just enjoying each other's company. I hope that I will be as blessed to have such a great relationship with my cousins continuing into our years to come. She will be missed, such a wonderful soul that blessed so many lives. Thoughts an prayers to her family. ~ Jerri Cordes (Erdmann) Rapid City SD (11/18/2013)
  • I too got to know Shirley when bowling on the Wednesday AM league. Such a sweet gentle lady who was always glad to see you and find out how you were doing. Loved her family and very proud of them all!! So sorry to hear of her passing, she left her mark here on earth!! ~ Barb Petoske Midland, SD (11/18/2013)
  • Shirley was a true blessing to the church when I was pastor at the United Church. She was fun to visit with and she and Did were very welcoming. She was a great lady! Blessing on you all during this time. ~ Mark Ford Brainerd, MN (11/18/2013)
  • Shirley was one of those sweet gentle people, that just seem to make your life better for the pleasure of her friendship. We sure miss her sweet little smile that she had for everyone. God be with you all. ~ Shirley Chin Philip (11/18/2013)
  • Shirley was a very special lady, she was such a joy to have in the Legion Auxilary, always eager to help. Hold onto all the memories. God bless. ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip (11/18/2013)
  • Shirley was a true one-of-a kind friend. Always fun to be around. We are sure going to miss her. Our prayers and love for the family.

    Love, Mike & Shar     ~ Mike & Shar Moses Philip (11/18/2013)
  • I don't believe I have ever met a woman as kind , caring, responsible, loving to mention a few as Shirley. It didn't matter what she was in charge of you could rest assured it would be done right. She did love her bowling, she was competitive to the point that she beat the other two guys on the team on Monday night, let me tell you that was a huge feather in her hat that she was beyond proud of, she made sure they noticed with her big smile. She was ALWAYS worried about everybody. I will so miss her hugs and concern, she was a true friend a gift from GOD to all that knew her. ~ Dorothy Hansen Philip SD (11/18/2013)
  • So sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. We were neighbors and playmates out on the Milesville Flat when growing up. After we got out of school and married we went our separate ways so was very interested in reading her obituary. I'm sending my deepest sympathy to her family. Mae Gades ~ Mae Gades Holloway, Mn. (11/18/2013)
  • shirley was a good woman she will be missed by many I will miss seeing her at the Senior Center whenever I would go home for a visit sending my sympathies ~ Bonnie Moses Nebraska (11/18/2013)
  • Shirley was a very special friend, she would never say anything bad about anyone. She was a real class act. ~ Marion & Darlene Matt Philip (11/18/2013)
  • So sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. We had a lot of fun working together in the Clerk of Court's office! She enjoyed her kids so much! I'm sure "Did" will be glad to see her again. Sympathy to all. ~ Nancy Peterson Kadoka (11/18/2013)
  • My heart is hurting to know what Shirley's family is going through in the loss of someone so precious. Heaven is welcoming and rejoicing to have a new angel in their midst. What a celebration they are having. My deepest sympathy to her family as they grieve their loss. Cherish the memories and find comfort in knowing we will all be together again someday. Cousin Edith ~ Edith Schofield 1925 So. Oakcrest Av. Casper, Wy. (11/18/2013)
  • So sorry to learn of Shirley's passing. I feel I have lost a family member. My twin sister, Mae, and I were raised out at Milesville with Shirley and Sharon. We were all in a one teacher school together and then went on to Philip High School together. After graduating we all went our separate ways, I wound up in Texas. Even though we have been separated all these 60 plus years we stayed in contact by cards and letters and I visited her in Philip whenever I was up there. I feel I have lost a life long friend, but praise be to God we will all be together again in Heaven. I send my deepest sympathy to her family and pray God's comfort and strength will be with them. ~ Grace Stovall Gatesville, TX (11/18/2013)
  • Shirley was a wonderful and caring women. We will always remember her beautiful smile. Our thoughts are with you during this most difficult time. God Bless! ~ Bob &Tootie (Formanek) Neville Rapid City,SD (11/18/2013)
  • Sorry to hear the loss of Shirley. She was a teacher of 4 of the O'Dea kids at the Hansen School many years ago. Jim and Shirley talked about that time in their lives many times. Remember the good times and always keep them in your heart.

     ~ Jim & Vonnie O'Dea Howes,SD (11/18/2013)
  • The dash between the day you're born and the day you die is what fills a life. Shirley was a blessing to so many and her dash was full to overflowing. As Secretary of our Wednesday morning league, awards were always there to encourage and help as well as little gifts for team members on Monday night. When Shirley was missing, the lanes were missing "something". Now we will bowl "for Shirley". Our sympathy to all the family and our blessing to have known her ans shared her with you. ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (11/18/2013)
  • Shirley was a special lady!! We were one of the couples she married!! Cherish your memories ! ~ Tom and Shelia Trask Wasta, SD (11/18/2013)
  • Although never meeting Shirley in person I know she must have been a wonderful and caring woman as evidenced by the kindness and compassion seen in her children. A good mother always leaves her legacy of love in each of her children and grandchildren. My sincere sympathy to Shirley's family and friends and prayers for God's gentle hand to ease the pain of your loss. ~ Patti Wittkopp Circle Montana (11/18/2013)
  • My thoughts and prayers are with you all with the loss of Shirley. She was a great woman and I was blessed to know her. ~ Sandy Bozarth Eureka (11/18/2013)
  • Shirley was a very special lady. I thoroughly enjoyed bowling with her when she would sub on our team. There were a few times she and I were the only two that showed up. We always had a great time, and I really enjoyed talking to her. I will cherish those memories and good times with her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. ~ Amanda (Schofield) Nelson Philip, SD (11/18/2013)
  • Shirley was such a sweet lady and fun to bowl with. Prayers to all her family and friends through this time of sadness. ~ Ann Cvach Midland, SD (11/18/2013)