Lois Marie Price was born September 22, 1914 in Dowling, South Dakota, the daughter of Charlie and Ella (Foley) Price. She grew up on the Price ranch with her brothers, Charles and Joe. She received her elementary education in Haakon county and attended Mt. Marty College, a Catholic girls’ high school at the time, in Yankton. Lois graduated high school in 1931. She returned to the ranch and began teaching country school in Haakon and Jackson counties. She was just shy of 18 years old. One year later, she received her teaching certificate from Black Hills State College. She then taught in Philip and in Quinn.
In 1943, Lois joined the Red Cross. For the next four years, she was stationed at Fort Camp Carson in Colorado. As the recreation director, her job was to brighten the day for our returning wounded soldiers.
Lois married Don Shearn in 1948 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rapid City. Lois and Don had two children, Price and Susan. For the next 30 years, Lois taught kindergarten and first grade in Rapid City at General Beadle, Canyon Lake and Wilson Schools.
During that time, while also teaching, Lois returned to college and received her bachelor’s degree at Black Hills State College. Also during that time, she was one of the lead teachers in the first 5 years of the Head Start Program in Rapid City. Lois was an active lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi, Delta Kappa Gamma, the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society. She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
When she retired from teaching, she became a snowbird, with winters in Mesa and summers in Rapid City. As she always said, ‘the best of both worlds’.
In her last years, Lois lived at the Silverleaf Assisted Living Center in Philip and later at the Philip Nursing Home, where she passed away peacefully on January 19, 2015.
She leaves behind her son Price Shearn of Prescott Valley, Arizona; her daughter Susan Marie Shearn of Prescott, Arizona; her two grandchildren, Kelly Hershey and Jay Shearn, four great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.
Memorial services were held 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 23, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
Memorials may be made to:
Country Cupboard Backpack Program
P.O. Box 191
505 Glenn Street
Wall, SD 57790
Guest Book
Lois was one of the classiest women I have met. Her strength was being able to say how she felt without hurting feelings. She had a sort of mischievious personality and you just knew that in her 100 years, she had some good times. I feel privileged to have known her.
~ Gay Tollefson
Philip (1/19/2015)
My sister and I called her Mrs. Lois. She was THE BEST kindergarten teacher at Canyon Lake School. The entire class would be hugged every day before we went home. My thoughts and prayers to her family. We have fond memories of her!
~ Kristin Goodwin
Rapid City (1/19/2015)
I had Lois as my first grade teacher. I loved her
~ Carole Messer Oberlitner
Hermosa, SD (1/19/2015)
Keeping Lois' family in my prayers and thoughts at this time. She was my 3rd and 4th grade teacher and we remained friends and touched bases many times over the years. Lois was a grand lady and will be missed. Also, Susan, many thanks for your note after Lois' 100th birthday. Sincerely Bev
~ Bev Jahner
Kerrville Texas (1/19/2015)
Thinking of you at this difficult time. My mother (Phyllis ) and Lois had some good times together. I still have the piano in my house that was hers. Remember the good times you shared.
~ Linda Stilwell
Kadoka (1/19/2015)
I am saddened to hear of the passing of my ex-mother in law Lois. She was always so gracious to me and I am happy I got to visit her for the last time 2 yrs ago. I will always remember our visit and hold dearly our talk we had. Her two only grandchildren are my children and I know she loved them dearly! Rest in peace Lois you were a very remarkable lady!
~ Kim Shearn
100 Baxter Elida Ohio 45807 (1/19/2015)
We have many fond memories of Lois and the Price Family going back to Ella and the gifts to our children. Remember the good times and always keep them in your heart.
~ Jim & Vonnie O'Dea
Howes, SD (1/19/2015)
Our love and prayers go out to the Shearn family. Lois
taught my Mother (Kit Wilson Walsh|) in school at Ash Creek just north of Grindstone, SD. She lived with my Mom's family while teaching out there. Susan and Denny Walsh
~ Dennis Walsh
Miami, FL. (1/19/2015)
What a grand lady! Visiting with Lois at Silver Leaf or the nursing home was always a pleasure. Mom repeatedly said Lois was the perfect roommate. She will miss her. Our thoughts and prayers to her family.
~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler
24208 Fairview Rd (1/19/2015)
A remarkable lady. I remember when my father in law lived in the Silverleaf and the many times we visited. She will always be remembered in our community.
~ Beth Kennedy
Philip (1/19/2015)
To the family of Lois Shearn,
I'm sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in Gods promises of a resurrection hope. (John 5:28,29) At Revelation 21:3-5 the causes of pain will no longer affect us but will be a thing of the past. Peace and security will belong to the meek. (Psalms 37:11,29)
~ Bonnie P
lonbonnie@gmail.com (1/19/2015)
Lois was absolutely the classiest ~ funnest ~ sharpest lady ever ~ A wonderful friend of my Mom's and an inspiration to all of us on how to live such a beautiful life ~ My prayers are with you, Sue and Price ~ Heaven just got brighter!
~ Darci (Johnson)
Rapid City, SD (1/19/2015)
I have many warm memories of Lois. My mother, Berdyne Parsons, thought very highly of Lois. I remember visiting Lois in her West Blvd. home in RC. My uncle Roger Peterson was her friend at the time. I was sorry to miss her 100th birthday party last fall. A great generational loss to many....
~ Brigitte Brucklacher
Philip, SD (1/19/2015)
Lois has always been our FAVORITE . We were able to look her up many times in Arizona and Philip. These past few visits she seemed so tickled that she would possibly make it to 100. Also Frances Prestjohn sends her condolances from Blackhawk, South Dakota.
~ Dan and Ruthie Plouffe
1746 South Point Dr. Bonita Ca. (1/19/2015)
To Lois's family I am sorry for your loss of such a wonderful woman! As a a child I enjoyed many lunches and afternoons spent visiting Lois with my Grandma Nell Willuweit. Those two could spend the whole day talking and laughing! I'm sure they are enjoying a long overdue run down memory lane right now in heaven. My prayers are with you during this sad time!
~ Jami Willuweit Moon
Creighton, SD (1/19/2015)
What a great service, wonderful words that recognized the holy in her everyday life! I had the good fortune of knowing both Lois and her mother, Ella, they were both class acts in their own way. They were two graced ladies and I see that in you also Susan, go with God!
~ Mary Kay (Reedy) Sandal
Plainview, SD (1/19/2015)
Lois is my mother's cousin so I have known her my whole life. I also had the honor of having her guidance as my 1st grade teacher at Wilson School many moons ago. I still have vivid, warm memories of being in her class. Truly a beautiful person, inside and out, whose life and the way she lived it, is sheer inspiration. She touched me and my family in a forever kind of way and will not be forgotten.
~ Matthew Plouffe
San Diego, CA (1/19/2015)
Lois was a lady with a great spirit. There is the date born and date of death and the dash in the middle is the life that was led. Her dash was impressive. Lois enjoy cards with my Dad and a good laugh. Our sympathy to the family, rest assured Lois is enjoying eternal peace.
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter
Kadoka (1/19/2015)
My love and prayers to Lois family. I loved her and her fun sense of humor. She has been a family friend to my family for years. Classy fun lady. She certainly lived a good life and loved life to the fullest. She was just the best. Heaven has gained a true wonderful angel. Love to all of her family.
~ Shelly weisgram
Rapid city,south dakota (1/19/2015)