Louise Bickerdyke

Louise B. Bickerdyke, 93, formerly of Capitol, MT, passed away February 12, 2003 at the Banner Health Care Center in Belle Fourche, SD. She was born October 20, 1914 at Capitol the daughter of John J. and Christina (Bonefield) Teigen and the 11th child of 12. Louise received her grade school education at the Capitol School and attended high school in Hemitt, CA and Camp Crook, SD graduating in 1932. She then attended Billings Normal School in Billings and later taught school at Capitol. On April 8, 1934, she married Ted Bickerdyke, and they resided on his homestead, nine miles west of Capitol. Ted died in 1986 and Louise remained on the ranch until 1999, when she moved to Belle Fourche for assisted living and later that year to the Care Center there. To her and Ted’s union, a son, Paul, was born on December 7, 1934. Louise and Paul stayed home and herded sheep and tended to the ranch while Ted was shearing sheep in the spring. Louise taught school for a few more years, and two girls joined the family, Theo, who was born in 1940, and Ruth in 1945. She helped organize the first Extension Club in the Capitol area. She participated extensively in the Carter County Cowbells and the Good Hope WELCA. Louise was a lifetime member of the Little Missouri Lutheran Church, which was founded by her numerous great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Ted (1986); two grandchildren, Mary Ann Bickerdyke and Zane Yanzick; eight brothers; and three sisters. Louise is survived by a son, Paul (Rose Mary) of Absarokee, MT; two daughters: Theo (Bruce) Yanszick of Absarokee and Ruth (Bill) Rosencranz of Capitol; eleven grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice or to the Capital Hall restoration project. Memorial Services will take place on Saturday, Mar. 1, at 2 PM at the Little Missouri Lutheran Church at Capitol. Inurnment of the ashes will follow the services in the Church Cemetery. A luncheon will be served following the graveside services. Stevenson Funeral Homes of Baker and Ekalaka are in charge of the arrangements.


Burial Date: March 1, 2003
Funeral Home Ekalaka, MT

Little Missouri Lutheran Church, Capitol, MT