ALCESTER, SD – Doris Jury, 88, of Alcester and formerly of Miller, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Alcester Care and Rehab Center in Alcester, SD.

Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church, Miller, with Rev. Allison Galbreath officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Huron. A visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 24, 2025, at Reck Funeral Home in Miller.

Doris Sue McElvain was born to Baxter and Maggie (Simmons) McElvain on May 24, 1936, in Muhlenberg County, KY. She was the oldest of four children. In the 1940’s Doris and her mother Maggie moved to Chicago, Doris lived there for a short time and then she moved back to KY and lived with family.

She met Delbert Linnell Jury of Ellendale, North Dakota. Doris was living with her relatives in KY. Delbert was in the Army as a paratrooper and stationed in Fort Campbell, KY. They met on two separate blind dates arranged by friends. On November 1, 1953, they eloped to Tennessee and were married by a Justice of the Peace who owned a furniture store.

While pregnant with their first child, Doris moved to Ellendale, ND, and lived with Delbert’s parents on a rural ranch. She gave birth to their daughter, Deborah, while Delbert was still in KY. Delbert moved to Ellendale with his parents after finishing his time with the Army.

When he found a job in Miller SD as a mechanic, they moved to Miller. 4 years later their son Donald was born. Doris was a waitress at different cafes and catering businesses in Miller for over 40 years. She worked as a maid, in an Ice Cream factory, and other part-time jobs.

She was an actor at the local theater, a hospice volunteer, a volunteer, and donor to the McWhorter Museum. She and Del worked many very hard hours in the museum kitchen and donated large and small pieces to make it a popular room.

She was a dedicated antique collector and could be seen at area auctions, rummage sales plus second-hand shops. She was very proud of her large collections and rare pieces. Several antiques were entered in the South Dakota State Fair competitions and were awarded several first-place ribbons plus Best in Show. She was a dedicated team bowler and earned several trophies for her efforts.

Famous was her green thumb for garden flowers and produce and was often pictured in the Miller Press. She belonged to the First United Methodist Church of Miller, was a longtime member of the Birthday Club, had a table at the Tour of Tables fundraiser for years, and for a short time was an EMT for the Avera ambulance.

For years she visited Avera Assisted Living Center where she played games and brought snacks to the residents every day. A loyal friend, she went out of her way to help others. In her later years, no one was a stranger.

About 3 years ago she moved to Alcester, SD, and lived at the Alcester Care and Rehab Center where she was very active and helpful to the staff and enjoyed living there.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah (Henry) Moser of Canton, SD; grandson, Justin Jury and wife Michelle of Huron, SD; granddaughter, Darcie Jury of Reno, NV; grandson, Dustin Moser and partner Jennifer Smith of Sioux Falls, SD; grandson, Kyle Moser and wife Jamie of Sioux Falls, SD; along with 7 great grandchildren and 10 nieces and nephews.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Delbert; son, Donald Jury; parents; stepfather; in laws; two sisters, Donna and Hilda; brother, Larry; and infant brother, Denny Ray.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Doris’ arrangements.

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