Shirley Ann Disbrow was born June 27, 1948, to parents William (Bill) John and Erma Doris (Hansen) Disbrow in Sioux Falls, SD.

Growing up and being the eldest of 10 children she often was responsible to help with the many household chores and looking after her siblings. A task she took seriously. Her disciplinary action of choice was to present her parents with a list of names, any wrong doings or disrespect and leave any further correction to them.

Shirley grew up in Sioux Falls, SD and was a proud 1966 graduate of the first graduating class of Lincoln Senior High. During her high school years she worked part time as an administrative assistant for an insurance company. She enjoyed bookkeeping and secretarial duties.

At a young age Shirley knew she had a calling on her life to ministry. Shortly after graduation she accepted her calling and she and her lifetime best friend, Verla Judd (Sporer) took the summer to travel holding revivals throughout South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. They both knew that God had a special purpose in sharing the gospel and decided to enroll in Bible Training Institute in California. Upon graduation they both continued in church ministry.

Shirley’s good friend LouAnn Bock and her then Pastor Albert Bock were convinced she should connect with a young man named Delbert Bock. She was already quite smitten with his military picture (nothing like a man in uniform) when she actually met this handsome bachelor. After a few dates, a kiss and an Elvis Presley song “This Magic Moment” their relationship blossomed, and they were married August 16, 1969.

By this time Shirley was already a licensed minister with The Church of God. She had accepted a pastoral position, and they moved to Pierre, SD right after their wedding. Soon her new husband realized God was also calling him to ministry. Together they partnered in Pastoral leadership in Pierre, Hazen, ND and Isabel, SD. Additionally she served alongside her husband as First Lady and Bishop Regional Overseer for several years which allowed them to travel throughout the mid-western states and Canada.

While raising three children, Shirley faithfully continued to pastor, teach and share God’s word with others. In addition to her local church commitments, she directed summer camps, coordinated retreats and frequently spoke at special events and conferences.

Her gift of hospitality brought many people into their home where they enjoyed her cooking and baking skills. She even learned how to process wild game from her husband’s hunting adventures.

Throughout their marriage there were challenging moments when Delbert had a serious accident resulting in 3rd & 4th degree burns over his entire body. With multiple surgeries and rehab she stayed by his side helping to nurse him back to health while pregnant with their 2nd child.

As life goes, there are often unexpected challenges and struggles. Shirley’s faith never wavered as she moved to the next opportunity to share God’s grace and love. Her life was blessed in many ways as God provided their needs and direction.

These past years offered her biggest challenge as she was overcome with Alzheimer’s. Her family watched as the disease distanced her from them. Her husband and children took care to meet her needs until it was no longer possible and she moved into Five Counties Nursing Home Memory Care in Lemmon SD, where she was lovingly cared for. Staff members would share that on their worst days they would seek her out. Just sitting with her brought them comfort. The grace and love that God had put in her heart could not be stolen by the ravages of Alzheimer’s. She continued to smile and a gentle touch was a reminder of God’s love within.

On Saturday afternoon, January 11, Shirley was welcomed into Heaven by those waiting to greet her – her husband Delbert, her parents Bill & Erma, her parents-in-law Albert & Rachel. Also waiting to greet her were two sisters LuBertha Lynn, Brenda Sue, a niece Carry Beth and a beloved brother-in-law David Bock. It is unimaginable just how many saints were lined up to welcome her. One thing is certain her Lord and Savior stretched out open arms saying “come home, your work on earth is complete”.

Shirley is survived by her son Brian Keith Bock and wife Joni (Black Hawk SD); her son Kendal Michael Bock and wife Kimberly (Harrisburg SD); her daughter Teresa Lynn (Bock) and husband Terry Russell (Isabel SD); her pride and joy grandson Trevor Russell. She is also survived by multiple extended family members.

Grateful to have shared a life well-lived with their “big sister” are Shirley’s surviving siblings and their families: Connie Disbrow, Wm John Disbrow both in Tennessee; Shelia Dickens, Cassius Disbrow, Bruce Disbrow, Gloria Flatmoe all in South Dakota; and Kurtis Disbrow in Maryland. She was blessed in life with 20 nieces and nephews, 24 great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at The Church of God in Isabel at 10:30 am on Friday, January 17, 2025.

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