May 31, 1929 – February 25, 2025

Esther May Schley, aged 95, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Bethesda Homes situated in Aberdeen. A private celebration of life will be held for Esther. She will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Born on May 31, 1929, Esther was the daughter of Helen and Melvin Helgeson and came into this world at their home in Stratford, SD. After attending country school, she graduated from Stratford in 1947. The following year, in 1948, she wed Delbert Schley. Briefly relocating to Portland, OR, they soon returned to the family farm in 1949. In 1961, they moved to Selby, purchasing the Standard station, known as Del’s Amoco.

Esther actively participated in Del’s Amoco, ran her own cake baking enterprise, and was involved in church activities alongside various organizations and committees. She had a passion for fishing, camping, traveling, bowling, and golf, and enjoyed playing cards, spending winters in Mesa, AZ, and cherished every moment with her family. During the holidays, her dessert table was always abundant, welcoming anyone in need of a treat, a coffee, and companionship.

Esther is survived by her daughters Ellen (Adolph) Renner and Estelle (Vern) Meyers both of Aberdeen; 3 brothers and 1 sister; 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren:  many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband Delbert, 3 sons (Dean, Danny and Doyle), 1 brother and 1 sister.

While the celebration of life for Esther will be held privately, Esther did always love to receive cards. If you would like to send a card, please send to Ellen Renner at 416 19th Ave NE, Aberdeen SD 57401. 

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Esther May Schley, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.