Shirley O'Connor Obituary

Shirley Ann Tavernier was born on January 6, 1938, the fourth of ten children of Ray and Betty (Sommers) Tavernier. She and her siblings were raised in the Milesville area until the Tavernier family moved to Oregon, but Shirley was in Philip going to high school, so she stayed behind and lived with Duck and Janie Kennedy and helped with their children. After graduating from high school, she went to Oregon for the summer and Chuck hitchhiked his way out there to sweep her off her feet. They picked cherries and then worked in the canneries in Salem, Oregon, until they could save enough money to get married and buy a car. They were married in Coos Bay, Oregon, on November 12, 1955. They lived with FJ and Catherine for a brief period of time before moving to the Swisher place where they started their family and remained their entire married life of 62 years. To this union four kids were born: Tom, Shelly, Tim, and Todd.

Shirley loved being outdoors doing yardwork, going to auctions where she could hone her bargaining skills, sewing, crafting, quilting, and cooking. She worked beside Chuck outside and could do about anything. She branded in the corral for many years, right up until the spring of 2018. At the last minute, she could prepare good meals for the ranch help and any friends or family who stopped in.

Every chance she got, she traveled with her sister to various locations all over the United States and even to Ireland and Japan. Some of her hobbies were quilting, baking, restoring old furniture, collecting antiques, and socializing at the Red Hats meetings. She enjoyed time with her grandchildren and always had ice cream or a treat for them. Shirley and Chuck always looked their best wherever they went and were a wonderful couple who loved each other and their family.

Survivors include three children: Shelly (Mike) Peris of Butte, Montana; Tim (Susan) O'Connor of Henderson, NV; and Todd (Laura) O'Connor of Philip; nine grandchildren: Tiekola Fortune, Tomlin O'Connor, Jennifer Murgatroy, Sean Peris, Travis, Caleb, and Tara O'Connor, and Race and Paige O'Connor; eight great-grandchildren: Randall Chance "RC" Marymee, Olivia and Wyatt Murgatroy, Gavin Peris, Hunter O'Connor, Karisma Devarona, Noah Faria, and Tyler Gomez; two brothers: John Tavernier of Coos Bay, Oregon, and Chuck Tavernier of Eugene, Oregon; one sister, Rhoda (Ted) Lufkin of St. Helens, Oregon; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Charles "Chuck" O'Connor on August 10, 2017; one son, Thomas "Tom" O'Connor; her parents; and six brothers: Roger, Boyd, Jimmy Lee, Bob, Larry and Mike Tavernier.

A visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 12, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip with a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Gary Oreshoski as celebrant assisted by Deacon Lloyd Frein.

Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Service Details

VISITATION
Friday, April 12, 2019 - 5-7 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

PRAYER AND ROSARY SERVICE
Friday, April 12, 2019 - 7 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Saturday, April 13, 2019 - 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Gary Oreshoski
assisted by Deacon Lloyd Frein

LECTOR
Rita O’Connell

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Mike Gebes - Les Pearson

ALTAR SERVERS
Carson Daly - Dane Daly

MUSIC
Marianne Frein - Pianist
Shelby Hanson - Vocalist
"You are Mine"
"The Lord is My Hope"
"These Alone are Enough"
"On Eagle's Wings"
"Song of Farewell"

USHERS
Denise Nelson - Lorita Nelson

PALLBEARERS
Red Hats of the 50’s

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Guest Book

My deepest condolences to the whole family. Shirley was a very classy lady, she will be missed by many.
~ Bonnie Moses Nebraska (4/9/2019)

I'm so sorry for your loss Laura I hope that you and Todd and the kids are doing well.
~ Otis Perkins Nemo (4/8/2019)

Extending my sincerest sympathy to each of you, in the recent passing of Shirley O'Connor. May the love, care and concern from family and friends help comfort your healing hearts. My love to all...
~ Genelle Marie Diab Crest Hill, IL (4/11/2019)

Thinking of all you folks during this difficult time, Shirley was a special lady
~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (4/8/2019)

I am so sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. Such a beautiful, lovely lady. She was so comforting to me just two short years ago when my Mom passed. May she and Chuck both rest in peace.
~ Stacey Sharp Rapid City (4/12/2019)

SD
~ Keith & Linda Kuchenbecker Black Hawk (4/11/2019)

We are so sorry for your loss. Shirley was a one of a kind gal. The quilting girls will miss her. RIP.
~ Linda Stilwell Kadoka (4/11/2019)

So sorry for your loss. I will miss our short visits when walking by her house. I will always remember my granddaughter called her Grandma Sugar ( she is friends with Paige). She was a sweet lady and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Take care.
~ Kathy Arthur Philip (4/13/2019)

My deepest condolences for the family and friends during this difficult time...may Shirley O'Connor rest in peace.
~ Ginger Broderick New York City (4/8/2019)

Our loving thoughts and prayers to the O'CONNOR Family. Shirley was definitely a one of a kind special lady. May God bless you all and hold you close.
Love, Mike and Shar
~ Mike and Shar Moses Philip, S.D. (4/10/2019)

Todd and Shirley's family. Am sorry for your loss. Whenever I stopped by the ranch, I always enjoyed a good cup of coffee and my visits with Shirley and Chuck. She was a very special lady. Am thinking of you and sending my prayers.
~ Charlie Vollmer Puyallup, WA (4/8/2019)

We were saddened to hear of Shirley's passing. I had a long chat with her recently-about 10 days ago...one of those spur of the moment, "think I'll just knock on the door" visits. I am so glad I did! We talked about our 'town house' purchases, and how we bought homes against our rancher husbands' wishes...naughty girls! I enjoyed bowling with Shirley on Wednesday morning league, and how we compared our house progress each week...she was a treat. My boys both came home from O'Connor and Petersen brandings bragging up the 'best food' ever...she could whip up a feast for sure! Knowing how she missed Chuck, I am comforted to know that they are arm and arm again-but I will miss seeing her here and there. A classy, intelligent, hardworking lady is hard to replace. Many prayers to her family-Todd and Laura-we know it's been a difficult year and a half for you all. Peace to you and yours.
~ Jason and Vonda Hamill Family Milesville, SD (4/10/2019)

Shirley was a special lady---and a fun gal!
~ Pat Snook Rapid City, SD (4/10/2019)

Laura & Todd,
Thinking of you in this great time of loss. Cherish the memories and the smiles Shirley brought to everyone's face. She was a special woman and will be missed by many. Prayers for your family.
Paul, Moneik, Mikaela, & Mathew
~ Paul & Moneik Stephens Black Hawk, SD (4/8/2019)

Sending my condolences to O'Connor family sorry for your loss I knew Tom I talked to your folks on phone few times about Tom all so called Todd when he passed away Tom always wanted me come out hunting never made it out your folks were so nice visit with on phone
~ Dennis Hoffer Reliance SD (4/8/2019)

Sending sincere condolences to all of the family. Many memories of Shirley and all her family, when we were growing up near Milesville, SD.
~ Leo Gittings Nemo, SD (4/8/2019)

Condolences to the O'Connor family. Shirley was a very kind, classy lady. The angels in heaven are dancing with joy to have her and Chuck in heaven.
~ Theresa Pekron Arvada, CO (4/9/2019)

Todd and family, so sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler Philip, SD (4/13/2019)

I was shocked when I heard about Shirley I knew that she wasn't feeling good last fall when I left. I will miss seeing her in Church and around. Sorry I can't be there as I am still in Tx. coming home soon. Prayers to you all. Sincerely Janice
~ Janice Crowser Philip & Corpus Christi Tx (4/13/2019)

Todd & Family, So sorry to hear of Shirley passing. Our deepest sympathy.
~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, S.D. (4/8/2019)