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Helen Beckwithof Midland, South Dakota, died on Sunday, September 25, 2016
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Helen Ann Gebhart was born March 27, 1948, in Dell Rapids, South Dakota, the fourth of nine children born to Leo and Matilda (Klein) Gebhart. She grew up on a dairy farm near Elkton and attended Elkton School, graduating from Elkton High School in 1966. After high school she worked as a nurses’ aide at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. She later attended LPN School in Pierre, and became a Licensed Practical Nurse.
During that time, she met Ronnie Beckwith. They were united in marriage on October 3, 1970 in Elkton. After their marriage they made their home on Ronnie’s ranch on Robbs Flatt, where they resided their entire married life. To this union were born three daughters, Lori, Cheryl and Rose. After her daughters were older, she worked at the Deep Creek School as a teacher’s aide.
She later returned to school to recertify her LPN degree, and began working part-time in the transitional care unit at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre. During all this time, she did upholstery work, recovering numerous chairs, couches, and various projects, for nearly 40 years.
She was the President of the Central South Dakota Autism Society, and was very proud of the fact they pushed through a number of bills to assist the children with autism in the school systems. She spent many hours at the capital for this endeavor. Helen and Ronnie maintain a large garden, enjoyed camping and fishing, and was doctor to many kittens in the area.
Survivors include her husband, Ronnie Beckwith of Midland; three daughters, Lori Beckwith of Huron, Cheryl (Marc) Ulmen of Ft. Pierre, and Rose (Levi) Briggs of Ft. Pierre; six grandchildren, Raef and Keira Briggs and Conner, Zach, Samantha, and Charli Ulmen; one brother, John (Pat) Gebhart of Yankton; seven sisters, Mary (Bruce) Moore of Beresford, South Dakota, Rita Harming of Aurora, Alice (Wayne) Bramstedt of Harrisburg, Grace (Marv) Tofteland of Beaver Creek, Minnesota, Rose (Al) Smit of Sioux Falls, Monica Chase of Salem, and Annette (Doug) Stein of Aurora; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Matilda; two brothers-in-law, Bob Harming and Ron Chase; and one nephew, Andy Tofteland.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. CDT with a vigil starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 29, at St. John's Catholic Church in Ft. Pierre.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. CDT on Friday, September 30, at St. John's Catholic Church in Ft. Pierre with Father Ron Garry as celebrant.
Interment will be at Robbs Flat Cemetery north of Midland.
VISITATION
5-7 p.m. CDT with a vigil starting at 7 p.m.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
St. John's Catholic Church
Ft. Pierre, South Dakota
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Friday, September 30, 2016 - 11:00 a.m. CDT
St. John’s Catholic Church
Ft. Pierre, South Dakota
CELEBRANT
Father Ron Garry
MUSIC
Michelle Humann
“On Eagle’s Wings”
“How Great Thou Art”
“Behold the Lamb”
“O Loving God, Song of Farewell”
ALTAR SERVERS
Mercedes Flores - Juan Flores - Jazmin Flores
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Marc Ulmen - Mary Welsh - Pat Storms
LECTOR
Judy Ulmen
USHERS
Levi Briggs - Marc Ulmen
PALLBEARERS
Chuck Crago - Bruce Mottl
Gary Beckwith - Rick Beckwith - Rod Beckwith
Kenny Stoner - Ralph Crago - Bruce Crago
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Robbs Flat Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota