Shirley Parsons

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.

Service Details

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.

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