RAPID CITY- Elvira Kieffer Gillies, 94, passed away at her home on Friday, February 26, 2021.

She was born on January 4, 1927, in Rockerville, South Dakota to Ferdinando and Mary (Raga) Kieffer.  Elvira grew up in the Rockerville area and attended country school at Pine Grove and graduated from Rapid City High School.  She earned her teacher's certificate from Black Hills Teacher's College and taught school at Wicksville.

She was united in marriage to William Gillies in 1952.  They lived in Rapid City before moving to their ranch near Rockerville.  Elvira was a cook at the Black Hills Children's Home and after she retired, she taught water aerobics at the YMCA for several years.

Elvira enjoyed cooking, eating out and going out with her special friend and dance partner, Earl Briggs.

Survivors include her daughter, Cheryl (Jeff) Johnson, Rapid City, her son, Daryl Gillies, Rapid City; 2 sisters, Irene Barker and Bonnie (Gene) Evans; 2 brothers, Kepner Kieffer and Raymond (Rose) Kieffer; 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, Donald 'Moose' Kieffer and Paul 'Bud' Kieffer, special friend Earl Briggs, and ex-husband, William Gillies.

Private graveside rites will be held at the Rockerville Cemetery.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date at the Rockerville Community Center.