Carolyn Eli

Posted 6/5/03

Funeral services for Carolyn LaVerne Eli, 72, of Milaca, were held Wednesday, May 28 at the Bethany Lutheran Church near Ramey with the Rev. Dale Boening officiating. Interment followed at the Lone Pine Cemetery near Morrill.

Music was provided by Monica Funt, Brad Laudert and Rosemarie Starr. Pallbearers included Larry Eli, Wayne Eli, Chris Eli, Oscar Eli, Russell Eli, Allen Eli, Eli Swanson and A.J. Eli. Honorary pallbearers included Doug Eli, Mike Eli and Caymen Boylan.

Arrangements were with the Peterson-Johnson Funeral Home of Milaca.

Carolyn died May 23, 2003 at the Milaca Elim Home.

She was born to Fredrich and Jessie (Adams) Richardson on May 2, 1931 in Keystone, S.D. Carolyn attended the Holy Rosary Mission School in Pine Ridge, S.D. At the age of 16, she moved with her family to Hot Springs, S.D. and spent many years caring for her seven siblings. She married Oscar Eli in 1950 in Rapid City and they lived in many places in the upper western states, following dam construction work. In 1958 the couple purchased the Butterfield Farm near Milaca. Carolyn enjoyed gardening, cooking and music. She also enjoyed handiwork, making many baby blankets and Christmas decorations. She was a past president and active member of the Hillman Legion Auxiliary which she and Oscar managed for many years. They were instrumental in setting up and running the bingo portion of the Legion.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Oscar of Milaca; children, Debbie and Valerie of Milaca, Oscar ³Larry² and wife Patricia of Isle, Wayne and wife Cyndi of Hillman, Chris and wife Vernette of Hillman, Russell of Milaca, Janelle and husband Richard Meyer of North Oaks and Allen and wife Charlotte of Princeton; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Louise Belle Schiebe and Jackie Ledo; brother, Don Roy; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jimmy, Buddy ³Ace², Louie and Lyle; sisters, Thelma and Donna Rose; and grandson, Nicholas.