Ellen G. Burley Merrigan
Ellen Grace (Burley) Merrigan, 99, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away surrounded by her family on April 4, 2025 at Avera Prince of Peace.
Funeral Mass will be at 1:00 pm Friday, April 25 at Avera Prince of Peace Chapel, 4513 Prince of Peace Place, Sioux Falls, SD with interment at Hills of Rest Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD.
Ellen Grace Sweeney, daughter of Charles and Rose (Kinney) Sweeney, was born on November 23, 1925 in Dell Rapids, SD. She was the youngest of 9 children that included her 5 brothers and 3 sisters. Ellen survived many challenges during her life. She endured hardships including the depression, dust storms and living in poverty. She was ill with scarlet fever during childhood and missed a year of school. She attended St Mary’s school in Dell Rapids and graduated in 1945. She moved to Sioux Falls and worked at Hamburger Inn.
She met Alvin Burley and they were married in 1948. Together they had 6 wonderful children. Ellen was a full-time mom who devoted herself to caring for her family. She stated that she developed a great sense of humor after having had 4 children in 5 years.
She volunteered for over 10 years at McKennan Hospital delivering flowers to those hospitalized. She was a very faithful servant and devoted a great deal of time to St. Mary Church where she was a part of the prayer chain, a member of Catholic Daughters, Ladies Altar Society and the Needs and Talents group. She dedicated much of her time to supporting the needs of her church as her faith was the core of her life. The Rosary was said daily and prayers were offered for her family, neighbors and friends.
Ellen did not learn to drive until they moved to Sioux Falls after having lived in the rural Brandon area. She was in her late 40’s when she learned to drive and this was a showing of her ability to meet challenges.
In 1986, Alvin died after enduring numerous health challenges. She married Maurice (Morrie) Merrigan a long-time friend and neighbor in 1990. They enjoyed attending church functions and traveling. Morrie loved her home cooking as did her family. Sadly, their time together was cut short due to his death in 1992.
Ellen was famous for her homemade chicken noodle soup, homemade pickles and her many desserts. She enjoyed crocheting and needlework. She made baby quilts for many of her family members. She loved watching Twins baseball and went to a home game for her 90th birthday. She enjoyed traveling but her real passion was playing games and cards with her family.
Ellen enjoyed her life and said it is important to start and end each day with a prayer. One of her favorite Bible verses was “This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it”. Ellen’s consistent living out her faith and placing the needs of others before her own were great examples for her family.
In addition to her parents and siblings, her son Gary Burley and son-in-law Dave Landreth preceded her in death. Grateful for sharing her life are Gaylord (Shirley) Burley, Dotti Burley (spouse of Gary), Debbie (Dean) Landreth Bertsch, Steve Burley, Grace Wilson (Tom Simpson) all from Sioux Falls, Diane (Cory) Miller, Woodbury, MN. Grandchildren include Paula Burley, Carmen Farstead, Jessica Larson, Shannon Pederson, Sonya Brown, Tashina Slining, Catrina Hieb, Kylie Yagid, Brandon Miller and Alyssa Miller. 16 great-grandchildren also enjoyed sharing in her life.