Helen Ostlien

of Midland, South Dakota, died on Thursday, November 27, 2014
at the Philip Nursing Home at the age of 95

Helen Phyllis Newby was born on June 30, 1919, in Davenport, S.D., the fourth of six children born to Harry and Maude Newby. Her father was an area rancher. She grew up in the Moenville community north of Midland and attended elementary school at Butte School and high school in Pierre.

Helen married John B. Ostlien on June 19, 1938, at the Deep Creek Lutheran Church, north of Midland. They spent their first four years of marriage in the Sansark area working for Al and Edith Allman. Their son, Dale, was born there in 1940, followed by Nancy in 1942. Sharon was born in 1944, the same year they moved to the Shoemaker place in the Manila area, making that their final home.

Helen enjoyed gardening in her yard, Bible study classes, her grandchildren and attending services at the Open Bible Church in Midland.

Helen is survived by her three children, Dale Ostlien and his wife, Dollie, of Abilene, Texas, Nancy Durm of Franklin, N.C., and Sharon Ostlien of Canning, S.D.; four grandchildren, Judie Ostlien and Donna Ramos of Abilene, Texas, Wendy Schupick of Eagle Butte, and Richard Winkler of Canning; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John, in 2003. Also her parents, Harry and Maude Newby, a brother, Paul, sisters, Vivian Bork, Ruth Eich, Louis Lunn and Margie Pellerzi and grandson, Kelly Ostlien.

Burial will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 29, at the Midland cemetery.

A memorial service will follow at a later date.

Service Details

GRAVESIDE SERVICES
Saturday, November 29, 2014 - 2:00 p.m.
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota

OFFICIANT
Dallas McKinley

PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota

MEMORIAL SERVICES
Will follow at a later date

Guest Book

I always enjoyed Helen's visits to our church. Sorry for your loss. Picturing her in Heaven, healed and with her family, makes me smile.
   ~ Tanya McIlravy Philip, SD (11/27/2014)
Dear sweet Helen. We visited a lot in years past at the nursing home. She and Jean Snyder and Bob Blair had many a laugh together, and helped fill each other's days with friendship. Helen spoke much of John and was a dear lady. God bless her full life and her memory.
   ~ Rita and Glenn OConnell Philip (11/27/2014)
I enjoyed helping with Helen RIP prayers go to the family

   ~ Patty Hauk Hot Springs (11/27/2014)
May the family find comfort in loving memories, and in knowing that God is "close to those that are broken at heart; and he saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18) Our loving Creator, Jehovah God, has promised to soon "swallow up death forever...and wipe the tears from all faces." (Isaiah 25:8) With deepest sympathy.
   ~ The Williams Family Texas (11/27/2014)
I am writing to offer my condolences to the family of Helen Ostlien. As we celebrate her life, we can find comfort in the scriptures. Psalms 37:11 "The meek will possess the earth and the will find their exquisite delight in it." You will be in my prayers.
   ~ Darlene Johnson St. Francis, SD (11/27/2014)