Elvera Louise Dilley

Born May 9, 1933, Riga Township, ND. Entered into Eternal Rest August 25, 2018, Gillette, WY. Born to Alta and Louis Hanson. Elvera was taught to work hard and persevere no matter what life dealt you and to do it with a smile! From a very young age, she worked next to her mother at the Eaton Ranch in Towner, ND; cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the ranch. Graduating from Denbigh High School, she went on to college to get her teaching certificate and taught at a one room school house for a few years prior to her marriage to Glenn Dilley on December 19, 1954. She and Glenn had a farm and ranch east of Granville where they built their home in 1961. At one time they had many dairy cows then focused on raising beef cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, poultry, as well as planted crops and gardens. Later, Elvera went to work with a meat packing plant- Taste Rite, a few years later sold and the new company name was Dakota Meats. She loved working there, driving 30 miles one way through snow storms, ice and more- all to make the beloved “all meat” hot dogs, sausage, curing of ham as well as cutting and wrapping meat! During this time, Elvera decided that she should sell Tupperware to be able to get out into the public a little more…she was very successful and was recognized as tops in sales for her unit and district winning numerous trips and prizes! She was not shy!! Learning to cook and can at the young age on the Ranch, it was a passion that she had throughout her life. She coordinated church dinners, picnics, family gatherings, reunions; always wanting to make sure there was enough food for everyone. In the 80’s Elvera got the position to cook at the Granville Senior Citizen Center, many of her friends thought that she would not last, little did they know it would last for almost 20 years! The joy of giving and serving others rose above all else, she cooked for numerous fundraisers for the Senior Citizen Center, did their own “meals on wheels” program as well as hosted dinners for anyone in need…just come and eat…no one was turned away! While working with the Center, Elvera got involved with the Minot Commission on Aging as well as the Souris Basin Transportation Department to be an advocate for senior citizens in McHenry County to educate and assist the various programs that were available to the community. She was also the President of Granville School Board from 1981-1985. Because she was not busy enough, she decided that she should get involved with the McHenry County Food Pantry, she enlisted Glenn to help of which he enjoyed just as much as she did! They coordinated the food pick-ups, distributions, deliveries in McHenry County and worked doing this until their retirement and move to Gillette, WY in 2010; to be closer to their youngest son, Matthew and his family. Once they arrived in Gillette, they were getting involved in the Senior Community, Glenn passed away in 2013, leaving Elvera to continue on. She became more involved in the Senior Citizen Center; being a greeter, bingo caller (she loved this) and being on the Board of Directors. Into her new world she met Jack Burger, a faithful companion and friend of which they enjoyed community gatherings, dinners and outings with their friends and family.  Elvera always looked at the glass half full and did her best to make the best of everything due to all of the adversity she had gone through during her life! She was a friend to many, always tried to help and serve others with a loving and caring attitude. She is preceded in death by her mother, Alta Jacobson; father, Louis Hanson; husband, Glenn Dilley; sister, Georgia Bednar; and brother, Jess Bednar. She is survived by Glenda (Bob) Hickman, Gillette, WY; Robert (Mary) Dilley, Destin, FL; Jodi Diego, Harrisburg, PA; Matthew (Lora) Dilley, Gillette, WY; 18 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and sister, Julia Bednar, Eureka, CA. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Elvera’s name in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com