Ellen Arlene Vesely

WOOD, S.D. -- Ellen Arlene Vesely, 85, Wood, S.D., died Tuesday, May 20, 2003, at St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre, S.D.

She was born May 10, 1918, on the family homestead northeast of Wood to John Irvin and Nellie (Weeda) Sherwood. She attended grade school at Satree-Springview School and graduated from Wood High School in 1938. She married Frank J. Vesely on Aug. 28, 1948. They lived on the family ranch, about five miles from her homestead birthplace for the rest of their lives. She was active in community organizations, include the Rosebud Valley Baptist Church, Eastern Star and American Legion Auxiliary.

Survivors include two sons, Earl Vesely, Wood, and Steve Vesely, Hot Springs, S.D.; a daughter, Barbara Vesely, Brainerd; two brothers, Ben and Howard Sherwood; and six grandchildren.

Her husband; an infant son; a sister, Margaret; and three brothers, Irvin, Everett and Edwin, died earlier.

Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Witten Baptist Church with burial at the Winner Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. today, with a prayer service at 7 p.m., and before services Tuesday at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, S.D.