Shirley Ann Ness-Syhre
Shirley Ann Ness–Syhre, 95, of Aberdeen, SD, died Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Bethesda Home of Aberdeen.
Shirley Ann Nehls was born on October 1, 1930, to Frank and Mathilda (Bahr) Nehls on a farm near Ferney, South Dakota. They later moved to Groton where she attended and graduated high school.
On April 3, 1949, Shirley married Kenneth H. Ness. The couple lived briefly in Groton before making their home in Aberdeen, where they raised five children together. Shirley worked as a bookkeeper and helped Kenneth operate the Standard Oil Bulk Plant in Aberdeen. They enjoyed bowling and were active members of AA and Alanon. As their children grew older, Shirley and Kenneth spent many weekends at their trailer home on Clear Lake, creating cherished family memories. Following retirement, they enjoyed traveling to Phoenix, Arizona, to visit their daughter Jill and her family. Kenneth passed away from cancer on April 7, 1982, at the age of 60.
On July 16, 1983, Shirley married Clifford Syhre. Together they became active members of the Moose Lodge, where they enjoyed dancing, socializing, and building many lasting friendships. Shirley and Cliff also volunteered their time serving meals to senior citizens. Shirley loved playing bingo and was well known for her delicious desserts, chicken and ham salad sandwiches, and deviled eggs. The couple enjoyed traveling to casinos in Arizona and later to Watertown, South Dakota. After Cliff's passing on April 12, 2002, Shirley continued her volunteer work at the Moose Lodge, always willing to help wherever needed.
Shirley was a generous and caring person who found joy in serving others. She loved knitting and crocheting, creating bowling sweaters for members of her bowling league as well as for her children, nieces, and nephews. An exceptional cook, she delighted in sharing meals and treats with family and friends. Above all, Shirley treasured her family. She was especially close to her children and worked hard to instill the importance of family bonds, a legacy reflected in the close relationships her children continue to share today.
Grateful for having shared Shirley’s life are her children: Terry Ness, Fran Ness, and Cindy (David) Hagen; grandchildren: Dion Koehly, Becky (Kevin) Jacobson, Chad (Denise) Lyke, Eric (Stacey) Lyke, Tyler Holm, and Trisha Holm; great-grandchildren: Tiffany Koehly, Kadie (Tyzick) Rivera, Erik (Ashley) Jacobson, Samantha Jacobson, Jaiden Lyke, Taylor Lyke, Christian and Dominic Lyke, Braelyn Richard, and Lilly Bryant; great-great grandchildren: Cason and Kinley Rivera, Axel and Austyn Jacobson; sister, Rose Tewksbury; brother, Bobbie Nehls; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding Shirley in death are her parents, Frank & Matilda Nehls; husbands; Kenneth H. Ness and Clifford Syhre; Children John ‘Jack’ Ness and Shirley ‘Jill’ Ness; grandchild, Sarah Ness; brother, Lyle Nehls; and sisters, Baby Marilyn Jean Nehls and Barbara Tewksbury.