When God Saw You Getting Tired

When God saw you getting tired

And a cure was not to be

He put his arms around you

And whispered come to me

He didn't like what you went through

And he gave you rest

His garden must be beautiful

He only takes the best

And when we saw you sleeping

So peaceful and free from pain

We wouldn't wish you back

To suffer that again

Today we say goodbye

And as you take your final rest

That garden must be beautiful

Because you are one of the best.

In Loving Memory of

Helen A. Beckwith

Rush Funeral Home

www.rushfuneralhome.com

March 27, 1948 - September 25, 2016

H elen 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.

In Loving Memory of

Helen A. Beckwith Midland, South Dakota

March 27, 1948 - September 25, 2016 Age– 68 Years, 5 Months, 29 Days

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

The family invites everyone to join them for a lunch and time of fellowship immediately following the funeral services at the St. John’s

Fellowship Hall prior to the gravesite services.