In memory of
Elaine "Becky" Chapman
of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at the Kadoka Care Center at the age of 83
Elaine “Becky” Chapman was born in Cambridge, Minnesota on June 30, 1936 in her parents Elmer and Ruby Beckman’s house. She attended country school until 8th grade and ran a trap line to and from school as she had to walk each way. Becky attended high school in Braham, Minnesota and was homecoming queen.
She waited tables at her aunt’s cafe, and they performed singing and talent shows. Becky was a tap dancer and could jig and sing. After graduating from high school, she ventured out to Hettinger, North Dakota and went to work at the KNDC radio station. She and a friend had a song request show and sang songs that were requested. Becky also had an afternoon children’s show for the radio station. This is where she got the nickname – “Becky”.
Becky met and fell in love with the love of her life Albert Chapman. They were married and had four children: Wade Chapman, Jolaine Chapman, Jodie O’Bryan, and Wayne Chapman. They made their home along the Grand River in Lodgepole, South Dakota. In 1985 after raising their children Becky went back to work at the KBHB radio station in Sturgis before later moving to Belvidere, South Dakota. She then went to work at the Kadoka Care Center where she worked for 18 years.
She thoroughly enjoyed her children and grandchildren. Becky had a love for music and could sing and play the accordion as well as the piano. Becky entered the Kadoka Care Center as a resident in 2009. She fought a long hard battle with dementia and Alzheimer’s. She faced it head on and stayed the kind, beautiful mother until the end. She lost her battle on Sunday morning, February 23, 2020 at sunrise. Her two children Wade Chapman and Jodie O’Bryan were with her.
Survivors include four children: Wade Chapman of Lodgepole, South Dakota; Jolaine Chapman of Edmond, Oklahoma; Jodie (Scot) O’Bryan of Belvidere, South Dakota; and Wayne (Twyla) Chapman of Billings, Montana; one brother Kerry (Vivian) Beckman of Stanchfield, Minnesota; 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Private family services will be held.
In lieu of flowers cards and memorials can be sent to P.O. Box 139 Belvidere, SD 57521.
OFFICIATING
Calvin Chapman
MUSIC
Tracy Buer - Special Music
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All of Becky's Grandchildren
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Beautiful , beautiful tribute . You will see her again. Treasure these memories for now. ~ Kelli Word and family Hermosa SD (6/26/2020)
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Remember the good times and always keep them in your heart. Prairie prayers from Plainview coming your way. ~ Jim and Vonnie O’Dea Howes, SD (6/26/2020)
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I heard about your mothers passing from my stepfather Alan Snorteland and wanted to let you know I was thinking about you. He told me that my mom helped teach your mom how to drive when they were both young in hettinger! That made me smile. So sorry for your loss ~ Cindy (fix) bertsch Warner,sd (2/27/2020)
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I had hoped that I would see her again this summer and re-meet the family
My father, Donald Beckman might have come with me ~ Susie Beckman Sellers Blaine, mn (2/26/2020) -
As sorry as I am she is gone for this world I feel so lucky to have the memories of her and her love for music and her children. My thoughts are with all of you. May you all heal and get through the grief with the least hurt. ~ Mike Kilmer Spearfish, SD (2/24/2020)
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Your Mom used to bring all of You to visit at Our House. We had fun playing while Our Moms visited. I remember Your Mom's quiet voice and gentle ways. Such a Beautiful Lady inside and out. Treasure Your Memories and hold them near ... Thinking of You All ~ Deb Beld & Josh Randall Hettinger, ND (2/24/2020)