Charlotte Gabriel Obituary

Charlotte Ann Gabriel was born October 13, 1946, in Philip, South Dakota to Homer and Jean (Hauk) Burns. At an early age, she realized her love of country life. She spent many happy and fun times at the Hauk ranch near Grindstone playing with her cousins. When Charlotte was 12, her father Homer died. As a result, some of Homer’s good friends, the families of Charles Price, Bob Blair, and Shorty (Leo) Nixon, took Charlotte under their wing and furthered developed her love of country life especially her love of horses, specifically paints.

Charlotte attended school at Philip grades K-12. She then attended SDSU in the fall of 1965. She decided that college was not for her and returned to Philip and was employed at First National Bank from 1966 to 1967 as a bookkeeper.

Charlotte married Larry E. Gabriel August 2, 1967. They made their home in Clear Lake, South Dakota for the first two years. They started their family at this time when Mindy was born in 1968. Their second child, Jeff, was born in 1970 while they briefly lived in Brookings, South Dakota.

In 1970 they moved to the Maggie Ferguson ranch north of Cottonwood where they made their home.

For several years, when the kids were in grade school, Charlotte worked part time wrapping meat for Marvin Coleman. Once the kids were both off to college, Charlotte worked in the office of Philip Livestock Auction for many years. She enjoyed these opportunities to work outside her home because of the relationships and friendships that naturally developed in these work environments.

Charlotte had many natural abilities that served her well as a good homemaker and as the overall ranch manager/hired hand. She knew firsthand the workings of the ranch and what needed to be done. She was not afraid to work right along side Larry and the crew. Although Charlotte enjoyed the quiet, natural beauty, and often solitude, of ranch life, she always welcomed others into her home with warmth, love, and grace. She enjoyed working in her vegetable garden, canning, and tending to her many flowers (especially her hollyhocks). She cooked the best roast beef, baked the best buns and brownies ever. In addition she chose to spend her time fishing and nurturing any critters that needed love and care from baby kittens, chilled down calves, horses, and her alpacas (fondly called “the girls”).

Much like her Grandma Joy Hauk, Charlotte enjoyed traveling and seeing new places. She was able to travel to France, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Canada, as well as most of the 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii.

Charlotte’s overall, all-time favorite passion was enjoying her grandkids! From tea parties and sleepovers, to the annual July 4th trip to the Badlands, she enjoyed her time with them and getting to know their interests. She was very proud of all her grandchildren and encouraged and supported them by attending their many, varied activities.

Survivors include her husband Larry of Quinn; daughter Mindy (Lloyd) Metzger of Bruce, SD; son Jeff (Heather) Gabriel of Quinn; six grandchildren: Gabrielle (Caleb) Metzger-Munce, Carissa Metzger, and Sage, Cedar, Ember, and Latham Gabriel; her siblings: Bobby (Gerry) Sloat of Philip, Jack (Marlene) Burns of Winner, and Maralynn Burns of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Homer and Jean Burns, her step-father Howard Pihlaja, and twin grandsons Brace and Paxton Gabriel.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Thursday, February 3, 2022 at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 4, 2022 at the American Legion Hall in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney and Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating.

Private family interment will be held at the Gabriel Family Ranch near Quinn.

Guest Book

What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful person. I pray that God blesses you all, and comforts you in this time of loss. Though it wasn't often that I got to visit with Charlotte, I always felt so welcomed whenever I stepped into her house. Craig A. Connell
~ Craig Connell Rapid City (2/3/2022)

Larry and Family, my deepest sympathy. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Fawna (Geigle) Goff Sturgis, SD (2/2/2022)

I am saddened to hear of Charlotte's passing. She was a great person. Always knew and acknowledged you where ever you might see her. My prayers for Larry and the family. God of all Comfort be with you.
~ Lyndy Ireland Philip, SD (2/5/2022)

Larry and family, we were so blessed to get to know Charlotte. Her warmth and humor led to instant friendship. We will value our memories of the time we spent together and know your lives have been abundantly enriched by her love.
~ Ray and Kathy Trankle Sioux Falls (2/3/2022)

Larry & Family -- We are just so sorry that Charlotte has gone ahead of us all, seemingly so soon. We know you will miss her with all your heart. But, we pray that her presence will be felt and that her memory will lift your spirits every day. Know that we are always no further than a phone call away. Love and prayers for you all...
~ Mike & Paula Wagner Brant Lake, South Dakota (2/2/2022)

Sending prayers and hugs to all the family. You have lots of memories.
~ Linda Stilwell Kadoka (2/2/2022)

So sorry for your loss. She had a big heart and rescued me once when I ran out of gas with the plane. May memories make her live on.
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (2/2/2022)

So sorry to hear this news. We send prayers for this difficult time.
~ Tom and Kamie Carmichael Oakland, NE (2/2/2022)

Prayers to the Gabriel family. May the love of family and friends help comfort you all in the days ahead.
~ David & Karen Webb Rapid City, SD (2/1/2022)

Prayers for all, she was a very sweet lady
~ Joann Stark NE (2/1/2022)

Larry and family, we would like to express our condolences for your loss. Charlotte was a tribute to your family's legacy and successes. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Larry and Pat Stearns Sturgis (2/3/2022)

Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers! So many great memories for me growing up! We were blessed to be raised around and taken care of by some of the greatest people we will ever know! May all your memories bring a smile! Take care!
~ Jake, April, Riley & Tara (2/2/2022)

Remember the good times and always keep them in your heart. So sorry.
~ Jim and Vonnie O’Dea Howes, SD (2/1/2022)

Larry and Family ,So sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family.
~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, SD (2/1/2022)

SD
~ Mary Kay Sandal Hartford (2/6/2022)

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you as you during this time of loss. I enjoyed reading the letters to Peggy, that Charolette wrote to her. What fond memories you all have!
God bless you and hold you in the palm of his hand!
Michelle, Kelcey, Katie & Lukas
~ Michelle Philip SD (2/4/2022)

Larry, Jeff and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family, Gods blessings now and always
~ Frank H Wilsey and Mary Wilsey 19981 Wilsey RD, Creighton SD (2/3/2022)

Very sad to hear of Charlotte passing. I will pray for you and your family.
~ David r keyser new braunfels (2/2/2022)

Larry & Family, we're so very sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you peace and comfort.
~ Elke & Jay Baxter Philip (2/2/2022)

We are thinking of all you folks during this difficult time. Charlotte was a very special lady, she will be missed by many. Hold on to all the wonderful memories. Take care of each other.
~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (2/3/2022)

Larry and family, So sorry to hear about your loss. Sending a prayer that God will give you comfort now and peace in the days to come.
~ Ester & Gene Johannesen Wall, SD (2/2/2022)

So very sorry for your loss. Charlottes great smile and generous nature will be missed by so many.
~ Janet Lurz Wall (2/3/2022)

Sorry to hear of Charlotte"s passing!
~ Joseph Millage Box 764 Philip (2/2/2022)

Larry and Family-
We are sorry to learn of Charlotte's passing. She was the genuine article. Loved her no nonsense approach to things and really enjoyed working with her at PLA years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Jason and Vonda Hamill Milesville (2/1/2022)