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Funeral services will take place on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 11:00 AM (Central).

St. John's Catholic Church
Ft. Pierre, South Dakota

Robbs Flat Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota
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.



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In memory of

Helen Beckwith

of Midland, South Dakota, died on Sunday, September 25, 2016 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls at the age of 68

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

  • I'm so sorry for your loss. I worked with Helen and Lori when I lived in Pierre. Helen was a wonderful advocate for people with disabilities. She will be missed so much! ~ Jocelyn Haskell Rapid City, SD (10/4/2016)
  • My thoughts and prayers have been with the family. ~ Tom Swafford Duluth MN (10/4/2016)
  • we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Helen was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. we know she is in a better place and free from pain now but that does not make it any easier for the ones left behind. May you find peace and comfort in this time of difficulty. Our thoughts are with you all. ~ Craig & Janice Heigh & family Rapid City, SD (9/30/2016)
  • So sorry to hear of Helen's death. I didn't know her personally, but I did know her as a very caring nurse. She was my mother's nurse in the TCU in Pierre. Mother really liked her a lot. She will certainly be missed. May God be with you and give you Comfort. ~ Veona Prince Fort Pierre SD (9/29/2016)
  • Deepest sympathy to you and the girls Ronnie. God be with you all. ~ Nina and Lynn Nachtigall Belle Fourche (9/29/2016)
  • Ronnie and family, we are so sorry to hear of Helen's passing. She was such a great, wonderful lady. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. ~ Mike Lee and Patty Smith Fort Pierre (9/29/2016)
  • My thoughts and prayers to you and your family, Ronnie. ~ Joe Brewer Richmond Lake, SD (9/29/2016)
  • So Sorry to hear of your loss. May the Lord hold You All close today. ~ Kim and Kevin Ernster Salem SD (9/29/2016)
  • Helen, no way for me to tell you except through the Lord that you and your family are so in my prayers. Ron, your wife Helen is a great person. I know that you know this better than I ever will. You and your daughters are in my prayers and thoughts these days at the loss of your wife and MOM. To the Gebharts - all of you. I love you and wish I could be there with you tomorrow and Friday. God Bless you all. I have talked to Aunt Mary Ann and she sends her prayers as well. ~ Jane Klein Stillwater, MN (9/28/2016)
  • To Helen's family, I am so sorry to hear of Helen's passing. I have fond memories of her she was one of the parent of Lori, Cheri and Rosie when I taught at Deep Creek School. I know she will be missed by many. ~ Mary Nelson Philip SD (9/28/2016)
  • sorry for your lost ~ Beverly Vincent 2231 co rt 12 apt 212 Central square ny 13036 NY (9/28/2016)
  • To the Beckwith family and Helens siblings...please know heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you from many places.
    Shane McKeown     ~ Shane McKeown Washington, PA (9/28/2016)
  • Will always have memories of growing up together on the farm. Helen sent lots of photos of herself and family to keep us all connected though she lived hours away. She was a down to earth mom and an advocate for not only her daughter, Lori, but many other autistic children in South Dakota. Helen had an infectious giggle when she was tickled over something and could make you laugh out loud. She will be missed.
    Love, Nette     ~ Annette Stein Aurora, SD (9/27/2016)