Rosella K. Beckwith, 90

Rosella K. Beckwith, 90, passed away Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006, at Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's. She was born April 18, 1916, in Washington to parents Rosa and Lee King, who came West in a covered wagon from Missouri. Rosella lived a long life full of love and service to others.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John, in May 2003.

Rosella served in the Women's Army Corps during World War II and shortly after married John Beckwith in Longview, Wash. She moved with her young family to Columbia Falls in 1954 and lived there until 1978, when she and John moved back to Longview to be closer to their own siblings.

Rosella was committed to service of others her whole life. She was very involved in the volunteer work through the Methodist Church in Columbia Falls. She was a prominent member of the local chapter of Eastern Star and a sponsor of Rainbow Girls. She was a den mother for Cub Scouts, a volunteer for the Klothes Kloset, and the local Welcome Wagon hostess for years.

Rosella was a kind, strong spirit and will be greatly missed by all who learned from her and loved her dearly.

She is survived by her son, Lee Beckwith, and his wife, Jeri, in Inverness Fla.; daughter, Linda Kopitzke, and her husband, Gene, of Columbia Falls; son, Mark Beckwith, and his wife, Salena, of Columbia Falls; and her grandsons, Matt and Nick Beckwith, also of Columbia Falls; and brothers, Jack and George King of Kelso, Wash., and their families.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.