May 31, 1929 – February 25, 2025

Esther May Schley, aged 95, sadly passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Bethesda Homes in Aberdeen. A private celebration of Esther’s life will be conducted, followed by her burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Esther was born on May 31, 1929 to Helen and Melvin Helgeson at their residence in Stratford, SD. She received her education at a country school and graduated from Stratford in 1947. The following year, in 1948, she tied the knot with Delbert Schley. They briefly lived in Portland, OR before returning to the family farm in 1949. Subsequently, in 1961, they relocated to Selby, where they purchased the Standard station known as Del’s Amoco.

Throughout her life, Esther devoted her time to managing Del’s Amoco, her cake baking venture, church activities, and various community organizations. She found joy in activities like fishing, camping, traveling, bowling, golfing, playing cards, spending winters in Mesa, AZ, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. Esther’s dessert table was always brimming with treats during the festive season, welcoming anyone in need of a sweet indulgence, a warm cup of coffee, and a compassionate friend.

Esther is survived by her daughters Ellen (Adolph) Renner and Estelle (Vern) Meyers both of Aberdeen; 3 brothers and 1 sister; 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren:  many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband Delbert, 3 sons (Dean, Danny and Doyle), 1 brother and 1 sister.

While the celebration of life for Esther will be held privately, Esther did always love to receive cards. If you would like to send a card, please send to Ellen Renner at 416 19th Ave NE, Aberdeen SD 57401. 

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