Jessie J. Jewett

Jessie J. Jewett, age 87 of Belle Fourche, died Monday February 27th, 2012 at the Dorsett Regional Senior Care Center in Spearfish. Funeral services will be held 2pm Friday March 2nd, 2012 at the Christian Life Center in Belle Fourche, and also 10:30 am Saturday March 3rd, 2012 at the United Church of Christ in Isabel.  Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to each service.  Interment will take place in the Hillview Cemetery, in Isabel. Funeral arrangements are with Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. Jessie Jean Jewett was born on December 21, 1924, in Frederick, SD. Jessie was the oldest of four children and graduated from Nisland, SD in 1942.  Jessie then went to Black Hills State College with her best friend Eva Brams, where she received a teaching certificate.  Jessie and Eva then hitchhiked back to Dewey County where Jessie began teaching in a rural country school.  Teaching now afforded her a car, which she promptly landed in a ditch, only to be rescued by her Prince Charming, Gwyn Jewett.  Gwyn and Jessie were married on November 10, 1945.  Jessie left teaching to become a wife, head cook, and queen of a sheep wagon located on the Moreau River.  Little did she know that she would soon be caring and cooking for 3 brothers-in-law, 1 brother, and a crew of seasoned and colorful ranch hands.  After establishing a home off wheels, a family soon followed.  Nina, Hal, and Sheryl brought the joys of parenthood to fruition.  Extended family including aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and oftentimes, a stray hired hand were regular guests around the dinner table.  Their house served as a hub for families, friends, and neighbors for years to come.  The ranch life was good for them and their family, but in 1996, it was time to retire and move to the big city. In Belle Fourche, Gwyn and Jessie found themselves reunited as neighbors with their life–long friends, the Brams. In addition, they were blessed with an ample amount of time to enjoy family and friends. On February 27, 2012, Jessie relocated for the final time and was met by her loving husband Gwyn, and her personal Savior Jesus Christ, another well-known shepherd. Jessie will always be remembered for her hospitality, compassion, love for family and friends, and great kolaches. She is preceded in death by her husband Gwyn, parents, four brothers, and one sister.  Jessie’s legacy continues through her daughter Nina (Armin) Finkbeiner of Belle Fourche, son Hal (Tammy) Jewett of Pierre, daughter Sheryl (Doug) Hogan of Rapid City, brother Lloyd (Kay) Fletcher of Sturgis, brother-in-law and sister-in-law OJ and Joan Jewett of Belle Fourche, brother-in-law Jack Jewett of Mesa AZ , 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 1 great great granddaughter, and numerous nieces and nephews. We are inspired by her loving way, generous spirit, and unending hospitality. She will never be forgotten.   Funeral Services 2:00 P.M. – Friday – March 2nd, 2012 Christian Life Center Belle Fourche, SD 10:30 A.M. – Saturday – March 3rd, 2012 United Church of Christ Isabel, SD Officiant Pastor Paul Howard Music “I Can Only Imagine” – Janet Monlux “Hallelujah, Light Has Come” – Crystel Hughes “Amazing Grace” – Taylor Finkbeiner, (accompanied by Angie O’Shea)      Casketbearers Josh Cariveau                                                         Nic Hogan Lance Finkbeiner                                             Ryan Jewett Scott Finkbeiner                                             Todd Jewett Stacy Finkbeiner                                         Roger Kimball Interment Hillview Cemetery Isabel, South Dakota