Lois Jean Massey Elrod - January 16, 1934 – June 4, 2024
Lois Jean Massey Elrod (90) was born on January 16, 1934, in Pierre, South Dakota, born to Floyd and Sara Massey. Passed away peacefully on the night of June 4, 2024, surrounded by her daughter Jean, son Ronald, and granddaughter Naco (Jason).


Lois grew up in Midland, South Dakota, and graduated from Midland High School. She married the love of her life, Leonard Emmet Elrod, on March 17, 1952. The couple lived in the Midland area before moving to Philip, where they raised their two children: daughter Jean Marie Elrod Sylar and son Ronald Eugene Elrod (Glenna).


Lois dedicated much of her life to caring for others, working at the Philip Hospital. She began in the Housekeeping Department, advanced to become a Nurse’s Aide, and eventually worked in Central Sterile. In 1978, she moved to Gillette and continued her healthcare work at the Gillette Hospital, earning her certification in Central Sterile. Lois took great pride in her work and found joy in serving her community.


In her personal life, Lois loved to read - books were her passion. She also enjoyed attending auctions and collecting treasures.


After retiring, Lois and Leonard hit the road and spent time traveling between Reno, Nevada, and both Casper and Gillette, Wyoming. They enjoyed visiting their son Ronald and family, casinos and shared a love for working with their hands - especially, making bird toys together. When the Nevada heat became too much, they would return to Wyoming to spend cherished time with daughter Jean and family.


She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Leonard, her parents, one brother, and two sisters.



Lois is survived by her daughter Jean Marie Sylar, her son Ronald Eugene Elrod, nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.



Her warmth, dedication, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Leonard Emmet Elrod - December 7, 1930 – September 4, 2020
Leonard Emmet Elrod (89) was called home on September 4th, 2020. He passed from natural causes in his home in the company of his wife Lois and Son Ronald both of Sparks Nevada. Leonard was born December 7, 1930 to Artie and Goldie Elrod of Midland, South Dakota. In 1943-1945 the family moved to Seattle Washington to work in the wartime ship industry. When the war ended, they returned to South Dakota to run the family farm.


Leonard married his wife Lois Jean Massey (Elrod) on March 17, 1952, and from this union 2 children were born. Son Ronald Eugene Elrod (Glenna) and Daughter Jean Marie Elrod Sylar. He spent many years in the Midland/Philip area working on farms and ranches as well as working for Little Scotchman Industries and Kennedy Implement.


Leonard was a veteran and was honorably discharged from the Army in 1955. In 1977 Leonard and Lois moved to Gillette, Wyoming where they lived until they retired to Sparks, Nevada (Reno Area) in 2001. Leonard spent plenty of hours in the local coffee shop entertaining the locals during his retirement in Sparks Nevada.


Leonard is survived by his wife, Lois; his children, Ronald and Jean; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and his sister, Phyllis Elrod Skow. He is also remembered fondly by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Keith Elrod, and his sister Jean Elrod Hunter, who passed away in December 2000.

Memorial services for both Leonard and Lois will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland with Pastor Cindy Bisser officiating.

Interment with military honors will follow at the Midland Cemetery.