Helen Beckwith
Helen Beckwith, age 68, of Midland, S.D., died on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Helen Ann Gebhart was born March 27, 1948, in Dell Rapids, 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 Oct. 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, Midland; three daughters, Lori Beckwith, Huron, Cheryl (Marc) Ulmen, Ft. Pierre, and Rose (Levi) Briggs, Ft. Pierre; six grandchildren, Raef and Keira Briggs and Conner, Zach, Samantha and Charli Ulmen; one brother, John (Pat) Gebhart, Yankton; seven sisters, Mary (Bruce) Moore, Beresford, Rita Harming, Aurora, Alice (Wayne) Bramstedt, Harrisburg, Grace (Marv) Tofteland, Beaver Creek, Minn., Rose (Al) Smit, Sioux Falls, Monica Chase, Salem, and Annette (Doug) Stein, 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.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. CDT with a vigil starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29, at St. John's Catholic Church in Ft. Pierre.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. CDT on Friday, Sept. 30, at St. John's Catholic Church in Ft. Pierre with Father Ron Garry as celebrant.
Interment will be at Robbs Flat Cemetery near Midland.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.