Florence Ellerton

Florence Grace Ellerton was born May 17, 1921, in Marion, S.D., to Rudolph and Tillie Graber.  
Florence married Claire “Shorty” Ellerton Dec.27, 1946, in the Salem-Zion Church in Freeman S.D. They ranched near Holabird, S.D., until 1954, when they moved to the Black Hills of South Dakota where they lived in Custer State Park. In 1977 they moved to Custer, S.D.  
In 1995, she moved to Hermosa, S.D., where she lived until 2012, when she entered Wedgwood Assisted Living.
Florence graduated from Freeman Academy in 1939 and then from Freeman Junior College in 1940 and started her teaching career.  She taught for 25 years, her first years in various country schools and for the Custer School District for 17 years.
Florence will be remembered for being an amazing cook—her family’s favorite was her fried chicken and homemade kuchen. She was a member of Hermosa Congregational Church since 1965. Her  free time was spent reading, gardening, hand quilting over 20 quilts, traveling with family and friends and cheering on the Minnesota Twins and Colorado Rockies. She especially enjoyed supporting her grandchildren at their school activities and events.
Florence passed away Jan. 27, 2022, at Rose Haven Assisted Living in Custer. She was 100.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Claire “Shorty;” son, Barry; her parents; and her sister, Jane Gagliardi.
Florence is survived by her children, Pam (Gary) Lipp of Custer, Terry (Vera) Ellerton of Custer and Karen (Steve) Hammer of Hermosa; sister, Marian Gering of Freeman; seven grandchildren; 13 great- grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.
Visitation was Feb. 1 at Hermosa United Church of Christ.
Funeral services were Feb. 1 at Hermosa United Church of Christ in Hermosa.
Committal services are at 1 p.m. (2 p.m. Central Time) Feb. 2 at Highmore (S.D.) Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to the Custer County libraries or the Hermosa United Church of Christ.