Phyllis Beaupit, 92, of Lewiston, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 20, 2016. At the time of her passing, she was a resident of Kindred Care Nursing Home.
Phyllis was born to Alma and Martin Peterson on Nov. 18, 1923, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. She was the seventh child of the couple. At the time of her death, she was the sole survivor of her other eight siblings. The Peterson family moved to Lewiston early in her childhood. All of her school years were spent in Lewiston schools, and she eventually graduated from Lewiston High School.
During her late teens and early adult years, Phyllis and her sister, June Peterson Harper, enjoyed singing on the radio in the local Lewiston area. Phyllis moved to Oakland, Calif., to work in the shipyards after the start of World War II. There, she met Douglas W. Ratekin, who later became her husband, on Aug. 14, 1943. They enjoyed a 23-year union. Throughout those years, they moved frequently as Douglas was both in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force.
In 1954, they were assigned to Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. Phyllis was a stay-at-home mother at the time. During this time, they adopted an 11-month-old boy, Michael Douglas Ratekin. One of their truly memorable moments. Phyllis also became active in the NCO Wives Club (non-commissioned officers). Eventually, she enjoyed being president of the Ramstein AFB chapter, where she made many friends.
After returning to the U.S., during various assignments, Phyllis worked primarily in retail. She spent many years working on and off for the J.C. Penney Co., retiring in 1984.
Upon the end of her first marriage, Phyllis moved from Edwards Air Force Base in California to the Long Beach/Lakewood area of California in 1966. She again began working for J.C. Penney. During the next few years, she met and married John R. Beaupit. They were married on Aug. 16, 1969. John and Phyllis bonded over their love of singing and entertaining in the local night clubs. They were often joined by Phyllis' sister, June Harper. They were married for 33 years until John's death from leukemia in 2002.
John and Phyllis moved from Brea, Calif., to Lewiston in 1989 to be closer to her sister and best friend, June Harper. These years found Phyllis continuing to enjoy many hobbies, such as cross-stitch and crocheting. She was also an excellent seamstress, following in her mother's footsteps. She created many lovely outfits for her granddaughter, Jennifer. She also had a great love for reading and was always in the middle of a great novel. She continued to read throughout her later years.
Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Judith Ratekin Farr; and her son, Michael Douglas Ratekin. She is also survived by a stepson, John R. Beaupit Jr. Her stepdaughter, Sheryl Beaupit Starr, preceded her in death. Phyllis enjoyed all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren immensely. Her grandchildren include Jennifer Farr and KC Ratekin; and two stepgrandchildren, Tracy and Steven. Phyllis was also a proud great-grandmother to Alexandra Archuleta and Reece and Dylan Tew. In addition, Phyllis enjoyed being a surrogate grandmother to her sister's grandchildren after her death in July 2002. Zach Conner, Isaac and Riley Beckvold held a special place in her heart. Phyllis also had a very special and loving relationship with her niece, Sandi Beckvold.
A graveside service was held Thursday, July 28, 2016, at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens in Lewiston. Arrangements were under the direction of Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home of Lewiston.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Thursday, July 28, 10:00 AM
- Location
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Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens
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Lewiston, Idaho 83501
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