Patricia Ann Shaw

Click to view Pat's Funeral Livestream

Patricia Ann Shaw, 92, of Miller, made her journey to Heaven on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at her home.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church, Miller, with Rev. Allison Galbreath officiating. Burial will be at Morningside Cemetery, Ree Heights. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the church.

Patricia Ann (Ellsworth) Shaw was born in Sanborn County, South Dakota, on October 11, 1933, to George and Della (Cunningham) Ellsworth.

Patty attended school in Jerauld County through 5th grade. Her parents then purchased a farm north of Ree Heights, where she and her family became new members of the community. She attended a rural country school and then attended Ree Heights School, graduating in 1951, with five people in her graduation class. Being the oldest girl in the family, she gained experience with caring for her younger siblings. She often spoke of times they had when they first moved to the old farmhouse. It had two bedrooms, a living room, and a dining room. The west end of the house was a granary, which later became the kitchen area, with no indoor plumbing. One time she said her and her siblings were sitting around the kitchen table and her mother, Della, had caught a big rat, holding it up for everyone to see, and said," And this is the Grand Daddy of Them All." She said there was no one left at the table as they had jumped so quickly out of their chairs and ran out the front door. That was probably why she had a fear of mice. Dad would always have to empty the mousetraps. She wanted nothing to do with it. Even if she thought there was a mouse in the house, she would not sleep until it was gone. They had an exciting time as youngsters and often reminisced about those days gone by. Patty and her siblings had a very close knit relationship with one another throughout their lifetimes.

She married Jasper Ernest Shaw on June 25, 1952, in the United Methodist Church Parsonage at Redfield, South Dakota. Jasper was sent to the U.S. Army, leaving her to care for Lowell, their firstborn, and expecting a second child. He was absent overseas for his tour of duty through the birth of their second child, Ronald Lee. Ron did not meet his dad until he was almost two years old. So, it took a little while for him to connect. However, they remained close, steadfast friends for a lifetime. Together, they raised seven children. She was a Guard Wife for many years and sacrificed much when Jasper was away serving in the National Guard over the years. Also, she was a Police Officer's wife for a number of years and kept the household operating, while holding down a full time job at First National Bank running a proof operating machine in the basement.

Many Friday nights, she sent the kids down to the Princess Theatre to watch a movie as she was working late. When the local businesses were open, the bank was open as they had to get the checks run through. She talked often about the fun times she had with co-workers and some of their experiences. Patty also worked at the Green Lantern Cafe in the early days. Their youngest child was born with disabilities in 1972, and they loved and cared for, as well as advocated for the disabled through the remainder of their lives. Patty worked at Hand in Hand Daycare as she loved the kids and knew many of them as they got older. She had a strong passion for photography. Her Dad gave her her first Brownie Camera when she was in High School and took many pictures over the years. Along with her connection to the camera, she loved movie cameras, beginning in the early days of the 1960s with the huge light bars that would blind a person. So, this was the beginning of her being called "The Camera Lady". She filmed everything from ballgames, weddings, funerals, baptisms, grandchildren's events, etc. Patty was the local Avon Lady for many years and received several sales awards. Another hobby she and Jasper loved was camping. Many good times were had by their grandchildren, family, and friends at Lake Louise, Lake Thompson, and Farm Island. She loved to socialize with everyone and was a true people person. Her greatest love was her family and friends. The compassion she had for others was beyond measure. Patty moved to the Miller Plaza Apartments in 2014 and truly enjoyed living there, and was well connected with the tenants that lived there. She had an open door policy, so you always felt welcome when coming off the elevator. Patty remembered everyone's birthday, anniversary, etc., and often called to remind them, and a card soon followed. Or, if you were fortunate enough to be her Facebook Friend, you received several daily posts from her. She loved seeing and participating with her family, grandkids, great grandkids, and friends on many occasions. Patty left this world peacefully on Thursday, getting ready to go for her daily coffee gathering. She will be missed dearly and no doubt is watching over us.

Patty was a member of the First United Methodist Church (Miller), VFW Auxiliary, Military Auxiliary, past member of Miller Fire Department Auxiliary, Police Department Auxiliary, and American Legion Auxiliary.

She is survived by her children, Lowell (Karen) Shaw, Sioux City, Iowa; Ronald Shaw, Pierre, SD; James Shaw, Miller, SD; Judy Morford, Pierre, SD; Jeanette (Kim) Benson, Sioux Falls, SD), Joe (Rita) Shaw, Brandt, SD; and Mary Shaw, Huron, SD; and also her grandchildren: Stephen Shaw, Elizabeth (Craig) Bowen, Jimmy Shaw, Danny Shaw, Brent (Terri) Morford, Brian (Melanie) Morford, Nicolette (Andrew) Uden, Sheena (Josh) Sinkgraven, Seth (Carrie) Benson, Gerry Shaw, Eric Shaw, Dustin (Christine) Schulz, Nathan (Trish) Schulz, and Chelsea Schulz; twenty great grandchildren; her siblings: Karen (Bob) Kroning, Barbara (Gordon) Sluneka, and Janice (Gene) Moncur; and many relatives and friends.

Patty was preceded in death by her husband, Jasper, in 2014; her parents, George and Della Ellsworth; her parents-in-law, Ernest and Charlotte Shaw; her in-laws, Carson and Jeannie George, Norbert and Charlotte Rickerl; her siblings and spouses, Aaron Ellsworth, Kenneth and Barbara Ellsworth, Robert and Bernice Ellsworth, and Deb Shaw; and several nieces and nephews.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Pat's arrangements.

A Visitation was held on October 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, 610 East 4th Ave Miller, SD 57362
A Prayer Service was held on October 31, 2025 at 7:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, 610 East 4th Ave Miller, SD 57362
A Funeral Service was held on November 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 610 East 4th Ave Miller, SD 57362