Beulah B. “Billie” Rockwell was born January 31, 1921, in Grand Junction, Iowa, the daughter of Ernest and Anna (Jackson) Rockwell. She grew up in the Bayard area where she graduated from Bayard Consolidated School in 1938.
Following graduation she came to Martin, South Dakota, to help her sister on a ranch. There she met Dale Hancock.
She was united in marriage to Charles Dale Hancock on September 10, 1938, in Kadoka, South Dakota. They made their home on a ranch south of Tuthill, South Dakota, until 1946, when they moved to a ranch north of Ottumwa, where they lived until 1980.
In 1980, Billie and Dale moved to Albia, Iowa, to care for her mother. After her mother’s death they continued to live in Albia, where she was a volunteer with Helping Hands and with Hospice of Monroe County. She was selected Hospice Volunteer of the year in 1996, for that area.
After Dale’s death in 1982, Billie continued to live in Albia until 1997 when she moved back to Philip. Since returning to Philip, she has enjoyed doing volunteer work at the Philip Nursing Home and with the Senior Citizen Center.
As a child, Billie attended the Methodist Episcopal Church in Bayard, Iowa. While in Albia she attended and was active in the Presbyterian Church until it closed, then she transferred to the First Christian Church. Since returning to Philip, she has attended and been active in the Evangelical Free Church in Philip.
Thankful for having shared her life are her two daughters Enid Schulz of Philip, and Judith Neff and her husband Jim Angell of Sedro Woolley, Washington; four grandchildren Janice Schofield and her husband Mike of Philip, Larry Schulz and his wife Rose Ann of Philip, Roger Schulz and his wife Sherryl of Spearfish, and Margo Thayer and her husband Leo of Spanaway, Washington; seven great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; a granddaughter-in-law Liz Neff of Independence, Missouri; three brothers Clarence Rockwell and his wife Shirley of Albia, Jay Rockwell and his wife Gerry of Sioux Falls, and Richard Rockwell and his wife Dee of Oxon Hill, Maryland; one sister Darlene Palmer of Des Moines, Iowa; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband Dale, Billie was preceded in death by her parents; one grandson Sgt. Charles Neff; one brother Howard Rockwell; two sisters Annise Braman and Blanch Jackson; and two son-in-laws Victor Neff, and Lyle Schulz.
Visitation will be held 3-6 p.m. on Monday, January 30, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Tuesday.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 31, at the Evangelical Free Church in Philip, with Pastor Gary Wahl offiating.
Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
A memorial has been established.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - 10:00 a.m.
Evangelical Free Church
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Gary Wahl
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
Maureen Palecek - Vocalist
“Whispering Hope”
“The Old Rugged Cross”
“Peace In The Valley”
Congregational Hymns
“Rock of Ages”
“How Great Thou Art”
USHERS
Lawrence Schofield - Reuben Vollmer, Jr.
Bud Stickler
PALLBEARERS
Mike Rockwell - Bruce Rockwell
Jeff Rockwell - Kathy Rockwell
Randy Palmer - Arthur McIlravy
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Guest Book
Enid and family, so sorry for your loss. I didn't get to know Billie until my mom was in the nursing home in Philip. Billie was so good to come in and volunteer for so many things. She was a good person to know. Again, my sympathy goes to her family.
~ Nancy Peterson
Kadoka (1/27/2012)
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gma Billie was a wonderful person and so caring to all. I remember visiting her when I was little with Amy. Take care and know "if God brought you to it, he will get you through it"
~ Crystal Bruinsma
Mitchell, SD (1/27/2012)
Enid, Janice & families,
I am so sorry to hear about Grandma Billie. She will be missed by so many. She was such a wonderful lady, so full of life. I am very glad that I got the opportunity to meet and get to know her at the daycare. My heart goes out to you all.
Hugs,
Nicki
~ Nicki Nelson
Midland (1/27/2012)
To the family of Billi, I am so sorry for your loss ,She is a wonderful person I have always loved her. she will truley be missed by alot of people.My heart goes out to you. Dawn
~ Dawn Knight
Philip SD (1/27/2012)
Enid, Janice, Larry, Roger, and families,
Today the community knows what a great loss they have had. Billie was a loving lady wherever she went. I know the angels blessed her because it came out to the rest of us in her beautiful smile. She could light up a room with that smile. I do not believe there was a person she ever came into contact with that did not feel better for just being near her. She was a valued friend, and a good neighbor. What more is there to say, except that she rests now with all the other angels. Our hearts go out to you in your loss, and our prayers are with you always.
~ Donnie and Bobette Schofield
Milesville, SD (1/27/2012)
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Billie's loved ones. I am so thankful that the Lord let me share her for just a little while. God probably thought she has worked hard enough and deserves a rest, it is comforting to know that she is with Him now. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. God be with you and comfort you all.
~ Shirley N. Chin
Philip (1/27/2012)
Certainly Billie blessed many lives. Mom speaks so often of the road trips with Enid and Billie---very special times for her. We send prayers and sympathy to all the family---Billie was a beautiful example of the Lord's good and faithful servant.
~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler
24208 Fairview Road, Philip, SD (1/27/2012)
We are so saddened by the loss of Billie. She was one of a kind for sure. Never complaining and always doing for others. What a treasure she was to our community and she will be missed by many. God's blessings and peace be with you all she "lived" her life and very well.
~ Gary and Julie Nixon
Philip, SD (1/27/2012)
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Hancock. My prayers are with you all at this time of sorrow. God Bless!!
~ Ann Cvach
Midland (1/27/2012)
I remember Billie as such a sweetie. Always enjoyed spending time with her. She will be missed by all who knew her.
My condolenses.
~ Shirley Sweezy
Box Elder (1/27/2012)
Enid, here's some hugs for you. Your Mom was so fun to play games with! She took us in as if we were her own. Thanks for being apart of our lives!
~ Joni Runyan
Newcastle (1/27/2012)
The mornings will not be the same without Billie zipping up the street (or down the street) always on an errand to help others. She would give the big wave and contagious smile as she sometimes slowed down for the dip! Sympathies to you all and thank you for sharing your wonderful "Billie".
~ Nancy Ekstrum
Green Valley, AZ (1/27/2012)
My prayers for comfort to all of Billie's family & friends. She was a living angel. The world is a better place because of her love & joy. She touched everyone with her smile & encouraging wise words. You always felt better after visiting with her. She brought out the best in everyone. A definite loss to us. May our Lord comfort you in your sorrow. May you find peace in knowing she is with Jesus. God bless you. Joyce (Vollmer) Williamson
~ Joyce Vollmer Williamson
Rapid City (1/27/2012)
Dear Enid and Judy and all your families,
Billie was a treasure to all who met her. We have nothing but happy memories of times spent with her in the years gone by. The memories you all have will be cherished in the times ahead. Our prayers are with you at this time. Love Bill and Connie Lee
~ Bill and Connie Lee
4610 Parsons Rd, Springdale, AR 72764 (1/27/2012)
This little lady packed more stamina then a bench full of football players. Just this last August at the Relay for Life in Midland she was marching around the track, great full for having beat her cancer or kept it at bay anyway. She was there for opening the ceremonies, then went to rest for a couple hours before continuing on to finish to night. What an inspiration she was to me. I will miss her smile and always think of her every time I make Swiss Mushroom Burgers. I could always count on Billie and Thelma Jean to stop by with their big smiles and make my day when they were on special. Rest in peace and Thank You for being the great example you were for us to follow.
~ Dorothy Hansen
Philip (1/27/2012)
Billie was such a sweet little lady, she was always ready to sing birthdays with our betterment group. You will have wonderful memories to hang on to. Our sympathy to all of you.
~ Joann & Les Pearson
Philip, S.D. (1/27/2012)
Dear Enid & family,
I never got to know Billie but wish I would have had the privilege. My mother, Louisa, always spoke fondly of her and Dale. They were so kind to she and her sister as motherless girls. And again, Enid, was so kind to my mother in her last days. God bless you and Billie's memory.
~ Lyndy & Kenny Ireland
Philip (1/27/2012)
What a lady Billie was!!! She was so kind and her smile made your day so much brighter!!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!!
~ Lacy
Philip (1/27/2012)
Billie was one of those people that made you feel better just by being around her! Her smile was contagious and was such a part of who she was. Cherish the good memories and be thankful for them. With those memories will come some tears and some laughter and a time of healing. Our loss is heavens gain! Our thoughts and our prayers are with you!
~ Jerry and Sonia Nemec
Midland, SD (1/27/2012)
So sorry to hear about your mother Enid. She was such a joy to be around. She had a lot of spunk. I hope she did not suffer. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.
~ Margaret Rush
Amarillo, TX (1/27/2012)
Dear Enid, We never got to know your mom but sure sounds like she was a very loving person. We are thinking of you and hoping you will find comfort in all the special memories. Know God is with you and so are the many prayers of your friends. Hugs are also being sent your way. May God Bess you and your family during the difficult days ahead.
~ Rudy & Susan Roth
Philip (1/27/2012)
Grandma Billie rocked many babies at Small Pine Daycare. She was so good with the kids. What a neat, neat lady. She will be greatly missed! Prayers and thoughts to all of her family.
~ The Drury's
Philip (1/27/2012)
Billie will be truly missed. She was such a ray of sunshine whenever you seen her. I remember her writing to Michelle her first year of college and what an impression she left with her. Such a good heart. Our sincere sympathy. Sonny and Betty LaBeau
~ Betty and Sonny LaBeau
Philip, SD (1/27/2012)
We are saddened to hear of Billie's passing. She was truly an amazing lady! She gave unconditionally and we were very blessed to have her at Small Pine Daycare with our children. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Brock, Brittany, Taryn & Sawyer Smith
~ Brock & Brittany Smith
Philip, SD (1/27/2012)
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all in your loss. I have known Billie for many years. She was a good friend & neighbor always. Her passing will leave a lonely place in all the lives she has touched throughout her life.God's comfort and Blessing to you and all your family. Carla Smith
~ Virgil & Carla Smith
Milesville SD (1/27/2012)
So sorry to hear about Billie's passing. She was a wonderful person and neighbor. We will truly miss the early morning waves as we rush to work. Billie always had a smile for us. We will keep her family in our prayers, Beau & Mary Ravellette and family
~ Mary Ravellette
Philip, SD (1/27/2012)
Billie was always such a precious soul. She never failed to welcome visitors with open arms and a ready wit. Some of my fondest memories from childhood were getting to go visit at Billie's. Fortunately, I got to visit with her one last time a couple of years ago. She was still the very same lady. I know that I and my family will miss her. She was a light for all of us. May your precious memories comfort you now and in the future.
With love,
Judie Ostlien and the entire Ostlien family
~ Judie Ostlien
Abilene, Texas (1/27/2012)