January 23, 1945 – February 24, 2025

A service commemorating the life of Shirley Masteller, 80, from Glenham, is scheduled for 10:30 AM on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Selby Methodist Church. A memorial visitation is planned for Sunday from 5 to 7 PM, followed by a prayer service at 7 PM, all held at the same location. Shirley passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Mobridge Regional Hospital. Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge is managing the arrangements.

Born on January 23, 1945, Shirley Ann (Johnson) Masteller was the daughter of Harold and Carol Johnson in Avon, South Dakota. She grew up attending a rural school and graduated from Avon High School in 1963. Shirley continued her education at South Dakota State University, earning a degree in medical technology with a minor in mathematics. During her time at SDSU, she served as a resident assistant in Scobey Hall, the university’s first mixed-gender dormitory, where she met Vance Masteller. They wed on January 26, 1967.

After marrying, Shirley traveled across the nation with Vance during his time in the military. With their daughter Cary, she returned to Selby when Vance was sent overseas. There, she taught math and physics at Selby High School. Once Vance returned and took over his family farm, Shirley eagerly involved herself in the day-to-day operations of the farm.

Shirley then studied and became a Master Gardener. She used her green thumb to help plant trees for the Conservation District and enjoyed helping Jeanne Weigum with the arboretum in Mobridge. She spent many hours tending her own garden and flowers as well. Shirley liked to build things. She helped assemble the 6-pack grain silos for the Selby Elevator. She did crop adjusting for many years and was an active member in the community, leading to her involvement in the United Methodist Church. Her creativity led to her kick-starting the Busy BlueBirds 4-H club, where she spent many years judging 4-H projects for the county and state fairs. She also assisted in starting and organizing the Mobridge Art Show and enjoyed quilting and was in the process of making a quilt for each of her grandchildren.

In 1992, Vance and Shirley built their dream home, a cabin in the New Evarts Resort area, overlooking Lake Oahe. This home became the cherished center of the Masteller family, a place where countless memories were made through watersports, baking, and holiday celebrations.

Shirley’s enjoyment for travel led her and Vance to some special places like China, Peru, London, and many more.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Vance Masteller of Glenham, SD, daughter, Cary Gries of Nowthen, MN, son, William (Tiffany) Masteller of Selby, SD, brother, Doug (Gail) Johnson of Tyndall, SD, grandchildren, Amanda (Clayton) Blackburn, Bloomingdale, OH, Tanner (Rachel) Masteller, Glenham, SD, Julia Gries, Nowthen, MN, Macy Masteller, Sioux Falls, SD and her three great grandchildren; Raven, Rose, and Kierra.

She is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Carol Johnson, sister-in-law, Joanne Bieber, and brother-in-law, Willis Bieber.

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