Lela Shirley Matson, age 90, Rapid City, passed away January 24, 2017, at Rapid City Regional Hospital, from complications of Parkinson's and other medical issues. She was born July 9, 1926 in Crawford, Nebraska to Martha (Rassmussen) Shirley and Earl Merill Shirley. She spent her childhood in several towns in Nebraska and South Dakota. After graduating from Rapid City Central in 1944 she attended National Business College. Her first job was as an usher at the State Theater in Rapid City. She also was employed at Ellsworth Air Force Base as an aircraft technician, Quarnberg Furriers, CP Clare, and followed in her father's footsteps retiring after 26 years from Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. Lela was united in marriage to Karl Wesley Matson on July 31, 1946. They rode their motorcycles to Broadus, Montana and eloped after a brief 2 week courtship. This marriage lasted 62 years until Karl's passing on September 5, 2008. To this union were born two children, Karla and Shirley. After retiring she was active with genealogy, spending a great deal of her time while traveling, stopping at graveyards to take photos or etchings of ancestor's gravestones. During this endeavor, she discovered in her later years that she had a half sister and was successful in locating her in Nebraska, making 2 trips to meet and visit with her. Lela was preceded in death by her husband, Karl and her half sister, Ethel. She is survived by two daughters, Karla (Edwin) Ling, Rapid City, and Shirley (Curtis) Kidner, Ridgecrest, California; 4 Grandchildren, Katie, Adam, Isabel and Matthew; 5 Great-Granddaughters, Stephany, Hailley, Kacey, Sylvie and Annabel. Miss Me But Let Me GoAttributed to Edgar A. GuestWhen I come to the end of the roadAnd the sun has set for meI want no rites in a gloom-filled room.Why cry for a soul set free?Miss me a little - but not too longAnd not with your head bowed low.Remember the love that we once shared,Miss me - but let me go.For this is a journey that we all must takeAnd each must go alone.It's all a part of the Master's plan,A step on the road to home.When you are lonely and sick of heartGo to the friends we knowAnd bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.Miss Me -- But Let Me Go.