Elva Meyers

Elva E. Meyers, age 91 of Yankton, SD passed away Monday, January 1, 2024 at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Visitation will be held 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a 6 p.m. funeral, officiated by Dani Jo Bierwagen, Friday, January 5 at Goglin Funeral Home in Yankton. 

Elva was born December 28, 1932 to Louis Alois and Elise Elizabeth (Sparks) Kozak at Yankton. Elva worked at several jobs until her marriage to Dean Clarence Meyers February 14, 1952. They were blessed with two daughters, Arletta Kaye and Colleen Kim.

Elva worked at Gurney’s Seed and Nursery for 17½ years and then for another 17 years at Dale Vishay Electronics. She began singing as a child and never gave up her passion, playing guitar and singing. She played in many local bands around the area, at nursing homes and at several local events. Elva assisted her husband with his contracting and concrete business, in which they built new homes along with remodeling rental homes. She was always sure the candy drawer was full, to share with her family and friends, whenever they visited. 

Elva took great pride in being inducted into the South Dakota Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame, during the same year. In 2018, Elva was recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Dakota Country Music Hall of Fame.

Elva’s memory will be cherished by daughters, Arletta Zoss and Colleen Meyers; granddaughters, Kristi Patton and Kaylee Zoss; grandson, Justin Meyers; great-grandson, Walker Zoss; brother, Louis Kozak, all of Yankton and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Dean, November 3, 2017; sister, Darlene Carda and brother, Lawrence Kozak.