Shirley Cope, formerly of Artesian, died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013 in the Johnson Memorial Home at Dawson, Minn. at the age of 78.
Funeral services were Monday, Aug. 26 in Fedora Presbyterian Church.
Shirley Gold Cope was born Sept. 16, 1934 at Mitchell, the daughter of Herbert “Curly” and Margaret (Corwin) Matthews. She grew up on the farm and graduated from Forestburg High School in 1952. Shirley then attended Augustana College, sang in the choir and received her education degree before teaching three years at Huron and Letcher.
On Nov. 6, 1957 Robert and Shirley were married in Pipestone, Minn. They lived on a farm near Artesian where she raised large gardens, lots of chickens and chased one wild child.
After retiring in Custer in 1993, she enjoyed many hours walking her dogs in the Black Hills, feeding deer and turkeys, spinning wool into yarn and knitting and crocheting gifts for friends and family. She continued to use her gift of singing in church and with care center choirs.
Shirley and Robert enjoyed traveling and sightseeing and were able to visit all of the states except Hawaii.
She is survived by her daughter, Laurel (Manley) Peterson of Dawson, Minn.; three grandchildren; two sisters, Joyce (Harlan) Tlustos of Sioux Falls, and Marge (Harvey) Lindemann of Pueblo, Colo.
Preceding her in death were her parents and her husband, Robert.
Visit hansondahlfuneralhome.com.