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In memory of

Belle Ravellette

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 75

Luella Belle Vaughn was born January 10, 1936 in Gregory County, South Dakota, the daughter of Dallas and Dorothy (Bennett) Vaughn. Belle grew up and attended school in Tripp and Gregory Counties, South Dakota.

Belle was united in marriage to Lester Ravellette on November 15, 1953 at Gregory, South Dakota. They made their home in Gregory, until moving to Sturgis in 1959. They moved to Philip in January, 1960. In January 1963, they purchased the Pioneer Review newspaper in Philip, where together they worked and raised their family.

In addition to the Pioneer Review newspaper, they purchased the Pennington County Courant newspaper in Wall in 1978, and the Kadoka Press newspaper in Kadoka in 1989, forming Ravellette Publications, Inc. Les and Belle took much pride in the newspaper industry and keeping the individual personality of each community newspaper.

Belle was a member of the United Church of Philip, a charter member of the Haakon County Business & Professional Women; the Haakon County Jaycettes, Past Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, Philip Chapter #100; past President of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #173; Haakon County Hospital Auxiliary, Bad River Senior Citizens, and Philip Betterment Committee.

Belle enjoyed her Wednesday morning bowling league. She loved to play cards, especially gathering the family around for a game of 10 point pitch. She also enjoyed traveling with her friends and family, which travels included a bus trip to the Rose Bowl Parade in California.

Belle’s love for her family and the joy that each and every one of them brought her, was obvious by the smile on her face. 

Grateful for having shared her life are her four children and their families, Trudye Fosness and her husband Dan of Sioux Falls, and their children Nicholas (Jenny) Fosness and Sydney, Ashley, Cole and Graham, Matthew (Mary) Fosness and Mason and Dawson, and Ryan Fosness; Jolene Haynes and her husband Don of Philip, and their children Heather (Justin) Schreiber and Kaitlin, Rylee, and Brianna, Brad (Tanya) Haynes and Jaida, Talan, Terik, Melanie (Jake) Jobgen and Caiden and Colin; Ronnie Ravellette and Lori Schocker of Mitchell and his children Derek (Melissa) Ravellette and Julia and Jackson, Dallas (Arianne Siewert) Ravellette and Hallie and Landon, Dylan Ravellette, Stephanie (Lance) Fountain and Blaise and Braden, and Josh Smith; Donnie Ravellette and his wife Tami of Philip, and their children Tasya Ravellette, Beau (Mary) Ravellette and their children Gage and Taryn, Tonya Ravellette and Tara Ravellette. Belle is also survived by seven brothers, Donald (Lue) Vaughn of Winner, Derald (JoAnn) Vaughn of Burke, Dennis (Cindy) Vaughn of Dallas, Lloyd (Sally) Vaughn of Mitchell, Jerry (Bev) Vaughn of Burke, Randy (Jean) Vaughn of Newell, and Jim (Judy) Vaughn of Golden, Colorado; Five sister-in-laws, Melva Vaughn of Redfield, Claudia Vaughn of Mitchell, Ruth Ravellette of Terrell, Texas, Liz Ravellette of Rapid City, and Lucy Ravellette of California; a brother-in-law Fred Fode of Oracle, Arizona; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Belle was preceded in death by her husband Les on October 1, 1993; her parents Dallas and Dorothy Vaughn; her sister Lois Fode, three brothers Leo Vaughn, Merle Vaughn, and Billy Vaughn, three brother-in-laws, Samual Ravellette, Richard Ravellette, and Glenn Ravellette, a grandson Dexter Ravellette, her mother in-law Elsie Ravellette, and her special friend, Durward “Dud” Wheeler.

Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. on Friday, October 14, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the hall on Saturday.

Funeral services were held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 15, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

A memorial has been established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, October 15, 2011 - 1:00 p.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
MUSIC
Sally Jankord - Pianist
Vocalists
Lyndy Ireland - Joyce Wheeler
“Because He Lives”
“Precious Lord, Take My Hand”
“Amazing Grace”
USHERS
Jeff Penticoff - Miles Wheeler
PALLBEARERS
Nick Fosness - Matt Fosness - Ryan Fosness
Brad Haynes - Derek Ravellette - Dallas Ravellette
Dylan Ravellette - Beau Ravellette
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Belle’s Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota


Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. on Friday, October 14, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Funeral services: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 15, at the American Legion Hall in Philip.
Interment: Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

  • So sorry to hear of Belle's passing she was a wonderful woman and will be missed by all ~ Selma Philip (10/12/2011)
  • My condolences to the entire family of Belle; she will be missed by all. We had some good visits and worked hard together over the years and she will always hold a place in my heart. God bless! ~ Kelly Penticoff Philip (10/12/2011)
  • Jolene,Trudye,Ron,Don, & Family

    Our sympathy go out to you & your families. My granddaughter Jada would love to stop and visit with your mom. Belle would have to tell her that she also had a granddaughter named Jada. So every time Jada came to the nursing home she would look up your mom and they would have their little visit. May God hold you in the palm of his hand as you walk throgh this deep valley. No more suffering or pain, God Bless!!
    ~ Marty & Debbie Hansen Philip (10/12/2011)
  • Sorry to hear of your loss. Belle was a good woman who worked hard her whole life. She will be missed, now her and Les can be together once again... ~ Bonnie Moses nebraska (10/12/2011)
  • Really sorry to hear of Belle's death. Our relationship with Les and Belle goes back a long ways, and that has continued with Don and Tami's strong friendship. Our sympathies to the entire family. We are saddened that we had not seen her in recent years, and will surely miss her. ~ Keith and Cherie Jensen Brookings, SD (10/12/2011)
  • Dear Family~
    It seems that over the few short years we've lived here, our lives have mingled with your in many ways! We are very blessed because of that!
    I so enjoyed the time I spent taking Gage and Taryn to see her. I sometimes felt like I was "dragging" Gage, but he always (with a little nudge from me) gave her a hug. Taryn was always willing. As the visits went on, Belle always had a smile for all of us and such a kind hello. Im not real sure she always knew who I was, but she sure made us all feel welcome! The last time I took Taryn to see her, Belle was in bed, not feeling real good and Taryn climbed up beside her and Belle hugged and bragged and combed her hair! I will always remember Belle in that tender moment, how full of love her heart was and how she held such a special place for all of her kids and grandkids. You couldn't get out of her room without looking at the pictures, every time!
    She leaves behind many memories and although she isn't here to say hello anymore, she is loving you all from above, free of pain.
    May you feel the love of your family and friends today and in the days to come.
    Let me know if there is anything I can do.
    Love to you all
    David, Michelle, Kelcey, Katie and Lukas
    ~ Michelle Butler Philip SD (10/12/2011)
  • I enjoyed Belle a great deal and I'm sorry to hear of her passing. She was a very interesting lady, that's for sure.

    Our prayers are with her family.

    Jay and Tabatha Calhoon
    ~ Tabatha Calhoon Wall (10/12/2011)
  • So sorry to hear that Belle passed away. She was a very nice person, and a lady. I met Belle when I bowled on her team, The Profit. She was easy to talk to. I remember when she told me that Randy is her brother. Its a small world. I will miss her and remember her fondly. ~ Jackie Shull Wall (10/12/2011)
  • So, sorry for your loss, but heaven's gain! She was a very gracious lady, and always smiling. Bless her soul.
    ~ Glenn and Rita O'Connell Philip (10/12/2011)
  • So sorry to hear of Belle's death. She was always a very gracious woman of God, and very supportive. May God be present to you all during this time. ~ Mark Ford St. Cloud, MN (10/12/2011)
  • My thoughts and prayers to all of the family. May God bless you all in this time of sorrow.

    Nathan & Brittney Drury
    Reghan & River
    ~ Brittney Drury Philip (10/12/2011)
  • I'm deeply saddened by the loss of a "sister." Belle was always a very special lady. She persuaded me to join Eastern Star. I've always valued that relationship. I'm so happy that I saw her just a few weeks ago at the Relay for Life. She's at peace now. God Bless you all. ~ Andrea Cook Cottonwood (10/12/2011)
  • She sure was a nice lady to be around..always smiling and gracious..and had that little notepad ready to write down her "list of things to do"..God Love her... she was just nice. ~ Norma Carson Wall, SD (10/12/2011)
  • May God Bless Belle. I will never forget her, memories of bowling and working at the Pennington County Courant. She will be missed by many. ~ Debbie Bryan Wall (10/12/2011)
  • Jolene and family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. ~ Courtney (Hanson) Lockhart Rapid City (10/12/2011)
  • Belle, was a very wonderful person. My Deepest Sympathy. May the Lord Be With You Now and Always. ~ Fawna Geigle Enid, OK (10/12/2011)
  • So sorry for your loss! May God Bless all of you! ~ Lori Kier/ Bruce Rath Piedmont, SD (10/12/2011)
  • I remember seeing Belle in this beautiful lavender outfit that she's wearing in this picture. It was such a good color for her. As in most churches, everyone has "their" pew. "Hers" was right behind "mine" so during meet and greet, I always got to shake her hand or maybe even a hug once in awhile. She was also such an encourager to me, even going the extra step and writing me a note once and sending it to me. She had such an easy smile and was ALWAYS willing to help me with the church dinners. She taught me how to make coffee in the 100 cup coffee pot. She liked it good and strong! I remember going to the swing bed to visit her around Christmas time a few years back and she just glowed as she pointed to all of your pictures. May her legacy live on through all of you and may the peace that passes all understanding be yours today and in the days ahead. ~ Crystal Martinez Philip (10/12/2011)
  • Trudye, Jolene, Ronnie, Donnie, and Family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of your Mom. She was a huge part of my best childhood memories.She was a very special lady.
    ~ Paula (Weig) Marshall Rapid City (10/12/2011)
  • To Belle's family,
    We send our deepest sympathy to all of you. It was such a treat to have your Mom come to Iowa to visit her aunts and uncles; Aunt Audrey & Uncle Charles, Uncle George and Aunt Dorothy Bennett, Aunt Pearl and Uncle Edwin Sorber, and Aunt Lila and Uncle Orlin. Such a sweet lady, you were blessed to have her as your Mom. May she rest in peace. I am sure this journey has not been easy for her or all of you either. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Aunt Audrey Craven's family
    Melvin & Judy Craven & family
    Jan Monson & family
    Bob & Mary Craven & family
    Dennis & Bobbi Craven & family
    ~ Mel & Judy Craven 904 K Ave, Nevada, Iowa (10/12/2011)
  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Memories are what keep our loved ones close to our hearts. ~ Marsha and Bill Sumpter Kadoka (10/12/2011)
  • Our sincere sympathy to all the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Rick and Paulette Wilmarth Kadoka, SD (10/12/2011)
  • Trudye,Jolene,Ronnie,Donnie,
    With my deepest sympathy to all of you...
    ~ Bea Williams Missoula, Mt. (10/12/2011)
  • My sympathy to all of you. Belle was always so pleasant and such a bright smile. Keep the memories. ~ Elaine Staben Bozeman MT (10/12/2011)
  • Thoughts and prayers going out to everyone. She was a wonderful lady. ~ Lee Dennis Family Philip (10/12/2011)
  • Our sympathy on your loss! What a lady! ~ Tom and Shelia Trask Wasta SD (10/12/2011)
  • Lydia would wish that we tell you how much Belle will be missed by the community of Philip. Our condolences to the whole Ravelette family. ~ Susan (McKay) Bandel Charlotte, NC (10/12/2011)