Verlyn Drayer

Verlyn Ann Drayer, 91, a lifelong resident of Doland, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at Jenkins Living Center in Watertown. Verlyn moved to Jenkins in 2014, to receive care and assistance for spinal problems and her difficulty with walking. Recently, she suffered from a lingering infection, and was further compromised by COVID-19.

Public visitation services will be held from 10-11AM on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at the United Methodist Church of Doland. Private family services will follow with Reverend Mark Tracy officiating. A public burial in the Doland Cemetery will be held at 11:30. Masks or face coverings are required and will be made available to those in need. The family requests folks to wear casual attire to the services. Following the services there will be a lunch at the Bottoms Up! Event Room in Doland- all are welcome! The service will be live streamed via the Doland United Methodist Church Facebook page.

Verlyn was born to Alice and Raymond Shult on November 26, 1928.

After graduating from Doland High School with the Class of 1946, the Doland Times Record newspaper employed Verlyn for her secretarial and administrative skills. She worked for the next four years for the South Dakota Benevolent Society as a secretary. She and Bud were married October 8, 1950. This year, 2020, Verlyn & Bud would have celebrated 70 years of marriage. Verlyn and Bud raised four children on the family farm southeast of Doland, while Verlyn kept her secretarial skills sharp as the School Census Chair, Township Clerk, and volunteering in various community efforts.

One of her greatest joys and talents was quilting. Verlyn and her neighbor spent many winters designing and sewing beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren. Those quilts are among the treasures that will keep Verlyn's love of family alive for generations. As a farmer's spouse, she was often called on to help with harvest or other responsibilities. Verlyn never lost her love of reading. For the past four years, she was the resident assistant librarian at Jenkins Living Center, keeping books organized, updated, and reading most of them herself!

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Larry Shult and Eldon Shult, and her sister Marilyn Larsen.

Verlyn is survived by her loving husband, Bud, and their four children: Stephanie Courington (Tim) of Castle Rock, CO: Nancy Ufken (Randy) of Prior Lake, MN: Debra Waldner (Ernie) of Raymond, SD: Greg Drayer (Tammy) of Doland, SD.  Her legacy lies with her 14 Grandchildren and 16 Great-grandchildren. Survivors also include her sister Ardyce LaBrie of Spokane, WA, and sisters-in-law Lenora Shult of Redfield, SD, and Edna Shult of Billings, MO, plus many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Verlyn Drayer to 'Hearts Delight' at Jenkins Living Center, 215 S. Maple, Watertown, SD 57201, or to the Doland United Methodist Church, 202 4 ^th Street, Doland, SD 57436.

Arrangements are with the Furness Funeral Home in Clark where there is an online registry at www.furnessfuneralhome.com