Shirley Ott

Dates

April 21, 1946 - December 2, 2023

Obituary

Shirley Ott, 77, of Pukwana, SD, died Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Aurora-Brule Nursing Home in White Lake. Funeral services are pending under the direction of Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Shirley Kay Ott was born April 21, 1946, to Victor and Maxine (Brewster) Andera in Mitchell, SD.

Shirley married Barry Larsen in 1965, and to this union, one daughter was born, Karleen. Barry passed away in 1998. Shirley married Heinrich Ott in 2002 in Chamberlain.

Shirley’s main interests were gardening, cooking, and baking. She loved entertaining and making sure everyone was happy and well taken care of. She was always looking out for others and helping wherever needed. Shirley was a very strong and confident woman, with a fun-loving personality and emotional spirit. She had a passion for wildlife. Avid bird watcher and took great pleasure in feeding all the critters. Special fondness for butterflies.

Shirley loved to travel and enjoyed the ocean and the north woods, but her favorite spot was the comfort of the family farm. She was most happy there where she grew up. She was glad to be able to move back there for the last 15 years of her life.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Rick; daughter Karla (Dewey) Thorson of Ramsey, MN; sister, Karen Wood of Minnesota; brother, Dennis Andera of Minnesota; stepdaughters, Lisa (Stan) Young and Karen Camron all of Kentucky; and step-grandchildren, Seth, Savana, and Cody.

Posted by DENNIS ANDERA on December 19, 2023

MY BIG SISTER ALWAYS KNEW WHAT I LIKED WHEN WE PLAYED TOGETHER. SHE WAS THE ONE I LOOKED UP TO.

Posted by Bob and Terri Zbylut on December 16, 2023

Shirley will be missed by many. We will miss her especially those weekends when she would come to the cabin and we would have wine thirty ðŸ˜Š sit and visit for hours or go play bingo and have dinner later. Sheâ€™s at peace now â¤ï¸

Posted by Valerie (Jacobson) Wiig on December 16, 2023

I am so sorry for the loss of your mom, mother-in-law, sister, aunt and friend. She was a special lady. I grew up and was childhood friends with Karla. Shirley was like a 2nd mom for alot of people. I wasn't in marching band but attended alot of parades that they were in and I can remember Shirley running alot with water for all the overheated band members. Shirley was special to me because she was there for me when my father died in car accident. When we were teenagers we took a trip to Pukwana for Easter which was a memorable trip for me. We had to pick Shirley up at Whirlpool when she was done working. Barry brought us into the office to see where Shirley worked. As someone who idolized Mary Tyler Moore and the possibility of a women having a career in an office setting, I was amazed! You could tell how committed she was to her job. She was a great role model for me at important time in my childhood. My memories at the Larson household were always special. I remember there was always a big bowl of popcorn on Friday night movie night. I think it was either Friday or Saturday night. And when I was older us kids got invited to their holiday parties. Always fun and Shirley running around making sure had enough food and something to drink.

Ok so that went a bit long but that's how special Shirley was to me. Karla still is one of my very bestest friend. Hugs my friend.

Posted by Diane Thorson on December 14, 2023

I know Shirley will be missed by family and friends!
. Your mother was a wonderful Blessing for you and Dewey! I always enjoyed seeing and visiting with her. She always made you feel special! The end of her life was not kind to her but I know she has a very special place in Heaven. Sheâ€™s watching us and telling God to take special care of us. Love and Peace!ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ«¶ðŸ¥°

Posted by Karie Wood on December 14, 2023

It's been a while since I've seen Aunt Shirley, but the memories are like yesterday. I always remember her bright smile when you were greeted. I remember as kids up at the farm, the adults would play cards (games called pitch and canasta). I'd always give shoulder and neck messages hoping I could stay up a little later or get a treat. Shirley and Grandpa taught me a couple of the card games, although I don't remember them now. When I would stay overnight with Cousin Karla at their house, Shirley would always have something amazing cooking in the oven. My deepest condolences to the family. RIP my dear, sweet, Aunt Shirley and may heaven take over from here.

Posted by Reggie Nguyen on December 13, 2023

I had a hard time of her passing, but she will always be in my heart. My Aunt Shirley knew how much I love going up to the farm. I will miss her laughter, and how she sees the bring side of any situation that came her way. I will miss you so much, be at peace. Love always Reggie.

Posted by Maria Shrake on December 13, 2023

My best friend since our freshman year in high school. Then truly became my Sister in 2003 when she and my brother were married. We had a life time of sisterhood and love. She truly was such a LIGHT in my life! I miss her so much !

Posted by Karla Thorson on December 13, 2023

So much thanks go out to the staff at the nursing home and the hospice team. So many of you I have been in contact with snd gad txts sne calls from. You all made her last few months comfortable. Special thank you to Diane. Thank you so much for spending the extra time with her. Rick and I truly appreciate you. Thank you for your support and dedication!

Posted by Tom Erhart on December 13, 2023

I knew Shirley way back when she worked for my dad at Whirlpool. RIP

Posted by Rhonda McGregor on December 10, 2023

RIP Shirley!! She struggled in her later years but those with this disease do & it is heartbreaking. Sincere condolences to the family, I hope you find comfort in knowing she is at peace & her ind is clear again. I cared for Shirley in White Lake & she gave me more than a few good laughs. God Bless her family.