Beth Jean Felgate passed from this world to the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ on September 30, 2018.
Beth was born in Madison, South Dakota, to Fred and Vera Lindekugel on June 25, 1932. She was very close to her parents and her five siblings. Beth married Donald (Don) J. Felgate in November 1951, and they raised eight children together in Pierre, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota and West Des Moines, Iowa. Beth was very proud of Don’s more than 38-year career with Northwestern Bell. Beth and Don spent most of their time rearing their eight children and supporting them in all their endeavors. Her children will never forget her unique, two-handed whistle that could be heard throughout the neighborhood. Hearing it brought them running in for dinner or to make curfew! Beth and Don did manage to share some time with friends and each other playing bridge, singing in the church choir, camping, and participating in the Pioneer Gun Club couple's trap shoot league.
Beth was very actively involved in her children’s education, church, and communities. She was a mother and homemaker first and foremost and had a true zest for life. She enjoyed watching all of her children and grandchildren participate in dance, music, theater, and athletics. She inherited a keen eye for sports from her father, a decorated athlete and high school sports official, was very proud of her brother Charles’ involvement in law enforcement and athletics and coached daughters Karen and Colette’s softball teams.
Following husband Don’s passing in 1984, Beth devoted her life to the care of her mother-in-law, Lue Ries Felgate, until her passing in 1986. Thereafter, she focused her considerable energy on her children and grandchildren, supporting them and celebrating all of their life’s successes. In 1990, she met Lyle Srsen, a long-time family friend, and they married in 1991. Beth and Lyle were inseparable, and spent time visiting friends and family, as well as enjoying many trips abroad during their 25-year marriage. They made great friends while traveling with their motorhome throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico. Beth and Lyle moved to Lenexa, KS, from California in 2006, returned to California in 2011, and then moved back to Lenexa in 2016.
Although slowed by health issues in the last several months of her life, Beth retained her bright smile, gracious manners and kindness, great sense of humor, and devotion to her family. She was a Christian, an incredible wife, mother, and grandmother, and an inspiration to us all. She will be dearly missed and will remain in our hearts forever.
Beth is survived by her loving husband, Lyle, daughters Karen Tangelder of Kauai, Colette Boone (Jeffrey) of Denver, Theresa Felgate (Ray) of Maui, and Jennifer Felgate of Denver, Kathy Srsen (Pete) of Lodi, CA and sons Steve Felgate (Robin) of Austin, TX, and Tom Felgate (Cindy) of Lenexa, KS. Since their return to Lenexa in early 2016, Beth and Lyle received loving care and companionship from Tom and Cindy, their best friends. Beth was preceded in death by sons Donald Felgate, Jr. and Paul Felgate. She is survived by sister Diana Lindekugel and brother David Lindekugel and was preceded in death by sisters Carol Ann Novak and Joan Michaelson, and brother Charles Lindekugel. She is survived by 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
The family wishes to extend very special thanks to Colette’s husband Jeffrey, a physician who has provided Beth and Lyle expert medical care, consultation and support over the long course of their marriage. Thanks also to the staff at Benton House, Lenexa, and Crossroads Hospice for their kindness and the care they provided to our wife, mother, and grandmother. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).
A Celebration of Life reception will be held in honor of Beth at Milburn Country Club on November 3, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Beth’s family looks forward to seeing you on the 3rd.