Service: A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will begin at 6:00 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2026 at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD.
Shirley Vande Pol, age 89, died Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Good Samaritan Society Canton. A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will begin at 6:00 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2026 at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD. Memorials may be directed to Good Samaritan Society Canton.
Shirley was born on May 24, 1936 in Wakonda, SD to Roy and Thyra (Nelson) Hanson. She grew up and attended school in Wakonda where she was active in the choir and band and was a member of Wakonda Lutheran Church. After graduating from Wakonda High School in 1954, she began working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. She married Richard Rhead on February 22, 1959. The couple made their home in Sioux Falls and were blessed with three daughters, Kelly, Karla and Kristi. After moving to Sioux Falls, the family joined Eastside Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. Shirley retired from the telephone company after 20 plus years of service. In her later years, she worked from home for 12 years doing telephone work for NRECA of Larchwood, IA.
Shirley was a hardworking, devoted mother who loved her family deeply. She always made sure the girls had what they needed even during tough times. She later loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with the same passion and dedication.
Shirley loved playing the piano and organ, playing for many weddings through the years. She also enjoyed bowling and dancing in her younger years.
Shirley will be remembered as a kindhearted, quiet but strong woman who loved unconditionally. She was the matriarch of the family.
Grateful for sharing her life are her daughters, Kelly Kots of Ireton, IA, Karla Bryson of Sioux Falls, SD, and Kristi (Chuck) Morgan of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Michelle Vande Pol, Amy (Ryan) Van Wyhe, Chelsea McAninch, Nick Bryson, Doug Bryson, Trevor (Alli) Bryson, Ryan Morgan, Tadrah (Jack) Hatton, and Turner Kaskie; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson with a 2nd due in May; sister, Janice Bernlohr; roommate, Martha Beer; special friends, Heather and Brian Karstens and family, Ashley Winter and her girls, Marlene Gross, and Lynn Van Ballegooyen; along with many extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandsons, Lucas Bryson and Quaid Morgan.
MY SINCERE SYMPATHY TO THE DAUGHTERS AND FAMILY OF SHIRLEY. I SAW HER A COUPLE TIMES AT THE HOME AND GOT TO KNOW HER WHEN I WORKED AT THE STORE. SHE WAS SUCH A SWEET LADY. MY PRAYERS FOR ALL
So sorry to hear this. Hugs and Prayers to your family
I have good memories of Shirley when we worked at the phone company in Sioux Falls.
Very nice lady!
I’m so very sorry for your loss and I wish I had a chance to meet her. She was such a sweet person on the phone and I am so sorry for your pain and grief at this difficult time. Prayers for you and your family Kelly.🙏🏻
Kristi, I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was such a sweet lady. I always enjoyed visiting with her when she came into the store. You and your family are in my prayers. With deepest Sympathy, Barb Hartland
I am so sorry for the loss of your. She was such a sweet lady and I enjoyed visiting with her when she came into the store. Thoughts and prayers for you and the family
So sorry for the loss of your Mama. Our condolences to you and your families. You are in our thoughts and prayers.♥️♥️