Florence Grace Ellerton, 100, of Custer, SD, passed away January 27, 2022, at Rose Haven Assisted Living in Custer, SD.

Florence was born May 17, 1921, in Marion, SD, to Rudolph and Tillie Graber.  Florence married Claire 'Shorty' Ellerton on December 27, 1946, in the Salem-Zion Church in Freeman SD. They ranched near Holabird until 1954, when they moved to the Black Hills where they lived in Custer State Park.  In 1977 they moved to Custer.  In 1995, she moved to Hermosa where she lived until 2012, when she entered Wedgewood Assisted Living.

Florence graduated from Freeman Academy in 1939 and then from Freeman Jr. 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 pastime 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 is survived by her children, Pam (Gary) Lipp of Custer, SD; Terry (Vera) Ellerton of Custer, SD; Karen (Steve) Hammer of Hermosa, SD; sister, Marian Gering of Freeman, SD; 7 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.

Florence is preceded in death by her husband, Claire 'Shorty'; her son, Barry; her parents and her sister, Jane Gagliardi.

Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at Hermosa United Church of Christ in Hermosa, SD.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at Hermosa United Church of Christ in Hermosa, SD.

Committal services will be held 1:00 p.m. (MT); 2:00 p.m. (CT) Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at Highmore Cemetery in Highmore, SD.

Memorials may be sent to the Custer County Libraries or the Hermosa United Church of Christ.