Thelma Beyl
On January 24, 2023, after playing pinochle with family and friends Thelma Beyl, age 78, collapsed in the parking lot of the Haugo Center. She passed away later that evening at Rosebud Health Care Center.
Thelma was born on December 9, 1944, in Buffalo, Wyoming to Don and Irene Cornelius Deitchler. She was the third of six children. The family moved to Slaughterhouse Creek south of Forsyth, Montana when Thelma was in elementary school. Mom liked to share the family shenanigans including a story about her brother shooting her mother in the forehead with a bb gun and another how Grandpa Don conned the kids into pulling weeds by miraculously finding chiclets under every weed he pulled.
Thelma attended schools in Forsyth and Rosebud. She graduated as the Valedictorian from Rosebud High School in 1963. Following graduation, she enrolled in Montana State College in Bozeman where she earned a degree in nursing.
On September 11, 1965, Thelma married Jim Beyl at the Concordia Lutheran Church in Forsyth. She liked to share the story of how RHS moved up a football game kickoff time so that mom’s brother, Larry, and dad’s cousin, Butch could be ushers in the wedding after the game. Mom also liked to tell people that a week after their wedding she had to go to the state hospital in Warm Springs. (To finish her final nursing rotation.)
Jim and Thelma made their first home in Forsyth where Thelma began her nursing career. While living in Forsyth, they had two children, Richard and Erica. In 1974, they moved their family to the farm in Rosebud. Their youngest daughter, Darla joined the family in 1975.
In the fall of 2010, Thelma retired following a 45-year career as a registered nurse at Rosebud Health Care Center. Her coworkers were a second family and she looked forward to annual get togethers with her “retired” work family.
Mom enjoyed playing pinochle, scrabble and hand and foot. As kids we remember a pinochle game or two that stretched into the wee hours of the morning. Anyone who dared bid against her quickly learned how stubborn or perhaps determined she could be. Thelma also liked gardening and having a house full of plants.
In her later years, Mom enjoyed words with friends on the computer, but probably her greatest joy was telling anyone who would listen about her grandkids. She loved following their activities near and far. She was the ultimate statistician and loved keeping score. She was one of their greatest supporters. She even supported her hunters when they came back to the house. She was always eager to see their trophy or simply warm them up with a smile, encouragement, and cocoa, cider or Russian tea when they came back empty handed. No matter how big or small the deer was, she was there proudly taking photos and relished in conversations had afterward.
Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Irene, her brother, Larry, and nephew, James Carson.
Thelma is survived by her husband, Jim, son, Richard Beyl (Melissa) of Fargo, ND; daughters Erica Bidwell (Barry) of Forsyth and Darla Paul (Kevin) of Clancy, MT. Thelma is also survived by her sister, Barbara DeCock of Three Forks, MT, and three brothers, Jeff Deitchler of Aurora, CO, Wes Deitchler, of Aurora, CO and Emory (Mary Jo) Deitchler of Meridian, ID. In addition, she is survived by eight grandchildren, Brady, Dylan and Jordyn Beyl, Shaunessy (John) Cunningham, Mickey and Bryan Bidwell, and Austin and Sierrah Paul as well as two great grandchildren, Ana and Piper Paul. Thelma also has numerous nieces, nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday January 29, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 p,m
Monday January 30, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT 59327
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Monday January 30, 2023
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday January 29, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 p,m
Monday January 30, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT 59327
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Monday January 30, 2023
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Jo Beyl Suden-King says
RIP Aunt Thelma. I will cherish your memories near and dear to my heart, and will always love you. Hug my mom, dad and sister for me. ❤️👍🏼.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Jim and family,
So very sorry to hear about Thelma. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Lulu Belle Newman Schield says
So sorry to read this. She was always so nice to me. We met in high school.She went to Rosebud and I went to Hysham. So sorry again.
Katrina Livesay says
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during your time of loss. Hoping all the good memories bring you comfort. With love from the Livesay girls
Nan Quinlan says
So sorry to hear this. I enjoyed working with Thelma and our visit s when we would run into each other in town or at baseball’s games . I’m sure she will be missed. Prayers for her family
Gary and Sharon Knudson says
Sorry to hear about Thelma ..my condolences to Jim and family. 🙏🙏
Robin Beyl says
I am sorry for your family’s loss Aunt Thelma was always so sweet and welcoming. My prayers to your family for strength and healing. Much Love to you all
Lori and Kenneth Reierson says
Jim and family we are so sorry for your loss you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Thelma will surely be missed, my your memories comfort you during these times.
Rob Fitzer says
To Betty’s Uncle Jim and Family,
The Fitzer Family sends condolences on the passing of Aunt Thelma. I a glad that I got a chance to see Thelma during my visit to Forsyth in October. So sorry for your loss we are Thinking of you and your family and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rob Fitzer Family
Rob Fitzer says
To Betty’s Uncle Jim and Family,
The Fitzer Family sends condolences on the passing of Aunt Thelma. I am glad that I got a chance to see Thelma during my visit to Forsyth in October. So sorry for your loss we are Thinking of you and your family and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rob Fitzer Family
Scott says
Uncle Jim, Richard , Erica and Darla Jo
I have felt the loss you are feeling. Love and prayers for you.
Aunt Thelma will be very missed.
Diane M Welbes says
May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through this sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
wendy heidt says
Aunt Thelma, I will miss your smile that lightened up the room, your quick wit and most of all you calling me “Mr president” . Love you To Uncle Jim, Dick, Rick and Darla , I cannot convey my sorrow for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your families.
Wendy Heidt
Brenda Potts says
Uncle Jim and family
The. Angels have another one to help watch over all of us
Aunt Thelma was a super sweet lady and enjoyed working and playing cards with her and lots of laughter
She will always be thought of along our paths of daily life
Love
Brenda Potts
Helen Corbin says
So sorry for your loss. Worked at RHCC when Thelma was a nurse always enjoyed her
claudia gross says
Sorry to hear of Thelma’s passing. I’m so thankful that we had a good visit at the Senior holiday dinner at the school. We were classmates at Rosebud for many years.
Holly Franklin says
I always called her aunt Thelma even tho she was my dad’s cousin (my stepfather Bill raised me) Thelma was working ER when my sister Dawn was in a horrific accident she was 13. Thelma always said they did what they could in the Forsyth ER Dawn was sent to Billings where she died. “Aunt Thelma’s” mother my great aunt Irene was my (step)grandmother Trix’s sister. Dick Rickie n Darla my heart is broken.
Rene and Rick Ottoy says
To the Beyl Family, I was sad to hear at Thelma has passed away.
She was an amazing Nurse, at the ER in Forsyth. she was there when I had complications. I ended up in Billings. She worried over me at the time. it bring tears to my eyes. She will be greatly Missed.
Rene Willson, Ottoy.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences. Thelma was simply the best.
Barbara Allard says
Thoughts and prayers for all of you. Worked a lot of night shifts with Thelma. Always enjoyed visiting with her and playing Words with Friends.
Dale Beyl says
Jim and family
Sorry for your loss.
Roxie Davis says
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Don and Donna Paul says
So sorry for your loss. All of you will have a special memory tucked away in your heart to remember the wife, mother and grandmother who Thelma represented in each of your lives. May each memory bring a smile to your day and know she loved each of you so much.
Terri L Brockel says
Condolences to Thelma’s family. I worked with Thelma at the Rosebud Community Hospital back in 1968. I learned the breadth of kindness through her interaction with patients, her approach and her tenderness in caring for them.
Go in Peace, Thelma, you have earned your rest.
Gayle (Schmittou) Perkins says
Dear Deitchler family,
My condolences on the loss of your sister Thelma. Many fond memories of your entire family when we lived in Carterville. Embrace the memories of a wonderful sister! May she rest in peace of a life well lived.
Gayle(Schmittou) Perkins
Doug & Cherie Heser says
Jim and Family,
We are so sorry about Thelma. But we are glad she enjoyed an evening of cards as the last part of her life. She was so good at cards and really like playing — we’re glad for time at cards with her as well as just visiting during the kids’ years at Rosebud High. You are all in our thoughts and prayers for comfort and wonderful memories. Doug and Cherie Heser and Family
Rocky and Carol Plympton says
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you 🙏❤. We are so sorry for your loss. I am in Guatemala right now on a mission trip. So I will have to miss the funeral but Rocky will be there. Love and hugs
Cathy Byron says
To All of Thelma’s Family –
Thelma was a pillar of support for our family when Sam experienced cardiac arrest and was flown to Billings. It was touch and go for several days, but each morning there was a comforting call to the ICU waiting room at then Deaconess Hospital. Thelma, whether on duty at RHCC or not, would call to check on Sam’s progress. It was our source of comfort and encouragement when we’d hear her say ” ‘he’s a fighter, he’s giving it all he’s got” don’t give up. Encourage him.'” We did. Sam battled through it and was with us for seven more years. How many families did Thelma encourage that way? We’ll never know. But in this family’s book she was the absolute best. What an example of how to care for others she was for all of you. And I’m certain her siblings felt the same way. She was exemplary. What a reward was waiting for her on the other side when her Creator greeted her with the words, “Well done, my faithful servant. Well done.” Our hearts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Given the choice, I am certain she would not wish to leave the beautiful place she now calls home.
KAREN AND RAY PELLANT says
We are so sorry for your loss.
George and Mary Simpson says
So sorry for your loss, God has gained one of the best from the north side,our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Memories will carry you all through.
Pam Ash says
Jim and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pam
Ann Stuart says
Jim and family. Sam and I played cards with Thelma and Jim at the Haugo Center. You were right. We had many of stand offs when bidding but I knew if she didn’t give in I would eventually let her have it.
RIP Thelma
Sam and Ann Stuart
Rosario Klar says
So sorry for your loss! Enjoyed working with Thelma at RHCC. Thelma was always willing to share her knowledge of nursing.
Marcus brlgarde says
Dear family,
She will be greatfuly missed. She and I here close, we talked when we had the chance. I will really miss her. Sorry for your loss to the family
Velma ( Breezy) Leary says
My sincere condolences to all of Thelma’s family and friends.. I worked at the hospital as a CNA and LOVED working with Thelma the RN… We were The Thelma and Velma of the hospital… She was a wonderful nurse and friend. I know she will be greatly missed.
Terry Billing says
So sorry for your loss. I first met Thelma at a pinochle game at Rosebud years ago. She will be dearly missed.
Marlene Newman Rule says
I was so sorry to hear about Thelma. I remember her in high school being the smartest one in class! I always went to her for help when I couldn’t figure something out and she’d just sigh and look at me, always made me laugh! Here’s to the class of “63”!
Laura Lee Blankenship Kalloch Beeler says
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Thelma’s passing. Having lost my father and husband so unexpectedly, I can well-understand the depths of your loss. My thoughts and prayers to you all.