Shirley Mae Matson

Shirley Mae Matson was born October 2, 1927, to Charles and Edith (Westphal) Meyers at the family farm near Lake Preston, South Dakota. On December 11, 2025, at the age of 98 years, she passed away in her Brookings, South Dakota, home. On January 10, 2025, at the Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings, South Dakota, a family visitation will begin at 1:15 pm followed by a 2:00 pm prayer service and a reception.

Upon graduating from Lake Preston High School in 1945, Shirley worked at the Lake Preston Creamery. In addition to enjoying her job responsibilities, she volunteered at the Lake Preston Hospital caring for patients. Attending dances in neighborhood homes and dance halls with cherished friends was a highlight for her and her sister Charlotte.

On April 2, 1951, Shirley married Elden (Dane) Andersen of Hetland, South Dakota. The couple made their home on a farm near Hetland. They welcomed four daughters including Donna, Rhonda, Susan, and Terri. On February 20, 1979, Elden passed away. Shirley later married Maurice Matson also of Hetland on April 26, 1986. Shirley's passion for cooking and baking provided nourishment and joy for her family and friends. When Dane was the Kingsbury County Sheriff, Shirley was popular with the prisoners who enjoyed her home-cooked meals. Her dedication to her family was immeasurable, her love for her many friends was boundless, her devotion to God was steadfast, and her legacy of kindness, fairness and generosity is a treasured gift.

Being a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 78 years, Bethany Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, and serving on the Hetland Cemetery and Hetland Congregational Church boards were civic involvements to which Shirley contributed and enjoyed.

Shirley is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law Donna and Richard Wilson, Rhonda Morse and Terri and Scott Hein; four grandsons Joshua Anderson, Tyler Anderson (Jennifer), Trevor Hein, and Moses Joknhial II; seven great-grandchildren Dane Anderson, Araya Hein and Jok, Nhial, Makeer, Achol, and Noah Joknhial; cherished nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Elden Andersen and Maurice Matson, daughter Susan Kaye Andersen; two brothers and sisters-in-law Floyd (Ruth) Meyers and Donald (Betty) Meyers; three sisters and brothers-in-law Ruby Evans (Elmo), Dorothy Howland and Charlotte Strande (Milton). Her son-in-law Peter Morse passed away on December 14, 2025, following her death.

"Our Mother lived her life with grace and with deep devotion to her family and the care of others." (Unknown author)