August 30, 1920 – November 7, 2022
Gertrude Margaret Babcock, 102, formerly of Faith, died November 7, 2022 at Spearfish Canyon Healthcare in Spearfish.
Gertrude was born August 30, 1920 in Linton, ND to Levi and Wilhemena (Ostrum) Henderson. She graduated from Linton High School in 1939.
Gertie married Nels Babcock on April 26, 1943 in Dupree. The couple remained at Eagle Butte where Nels was foreman of the Diamond A Cattle Company. In 1946 they moved to the Horseshoe Ranch north of Glenham. In 1951 they moved back to Eagle Butte on Bear Creek, where the couple started ranching on their own. After one winter they moved back to Mobridge, where Gertie worked for the Singer Store and JC Penney Store. They purchased Gertie’s uncle Will Ostrum’s ranch at Selfridge, ND. Gertie remained working in Mobridge until a house was finished in 1960. They lived on the ranch for several years until selling the ranch in 1967 when they moved to Faith. Gertie worked in the Faith sale barn office for several years.
Gertie loved sewing and made her own clothing, Nels’ western shirts, and pajamas. She was always well dressed. They traveled many miles with their camper following Nels’ retirement and traveled 7 continents with the Stock Growers Association.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Nels Babcock; sisters Lucille Fitchell and June McLellan; brothers Harvey “Bud” Henderson, William Henderson, Jack Henderson and Leslie Henderson; niece Laurie Arrowsmith; nephews Larry Henderson, Robert Henderson, Jonathan Pharzen and Paul Henderson.
She is survived by her nieces: Sharon (Gerald) Marks of Missoula, MT, Marian (Jim) Schmidt of Alzada, MT, Pam (Bill) Wahlfeldt of Sturgis, SD, Barbara Henderson and Doris (David) Ripley of Beaverton, OR; and nephews: Gene Henderson of Livingston, MT, Steve (Alice) Henderson of Wasilla, AK and Charles Henderson of Connecticut.
Graveside services were held Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at the Faith Cemetery in Faith with Reverend Evelyn Weaver officiating.
Casketbearers were Cleve Schmidt, Clete Schmidt, Casen Schmidt, Jeremy Meeks, Traden Meeks, Hazen Meeks, Scott Vance and Brad Vance.
Kline Funeral Chapel of Belle Fourche was in charge of arrangements.