When God Saw You Getting Tired
When God saw you getting tired
And a cure was not to be
He put his arms around you
And whispered come to me
He didn't like what you went through
And he gave you rest
His garden must be beautiful
He only takes the best
And when we saw you sleeping
So peaceful and free from pain
We wouldn't wish you back
To suffer that again
Today we say goodbye
And as you take your final rest
That garden must be beautiful
Because you are one of the best.
In Loving Memory of
Helen A. Beckwith
Rush Funeral Home
www.rushfuneralhome.com
March 27, 1948 - September 25, 2016
H elen 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.
In Loving Memory of
Helen A. Beckwith Midland, South Dakota
March 27, 1948 - September 25, 2016 Age– 68 Years, 5 Months, 29 Days
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
The family invites everyone to join them for a lunch and time of fellowship immediately following the funeral services at the St. John’s
Fellowship Hall prior to the gravesite services.