Sheila Nelson, 66, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at the Rapid City Regional Hospice House.
Memorial visitation with wake service and rosary was Sunday, March 15 at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City.
Mass of Christian Burial was Monday, March 16, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City with Father Ed Vanorny as celebrant.
Sheila Mary Cunningham Nelson was born March 19, 1948, to Raymond and Pearl (Clark) Cunningham of Artesian. Her parents ran the R&P Café. She attended the Artesian Public School for 12 years, graduating May 20, 1966. Her first job was with the Live Stock State Bank, now known as CorTrust Bank.
She was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church, St. Therese Altar Society and the church choir. She also sang in the city chorus.
She wed Clifton “Sammy” Nelson in a civil ceremony on May 2, 1975, in Tyndall. To this union two sons were born, Clinton Charles and Clayton Dean.
In 1979, the family moved to the Black Hills and she was remarried at the Mothers Chapel in the Cathedral. She was employed with Great Western Bank for 28 years. Upon retiring she worked at Black Hills Power.
She is survived by her sons, Clint (Bridgett) Nelson of Box Elder, and Clay (Salina) Nelson of Aberdeen; and five grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
A memorial has been established to the Rapid City Cancer Society or the Cathedral for a handicap ramp into the church.
Friends may sign Sheila’s online guestbook at kirkfuneralhome.com.