Florence (Flossie) Bebbington was born October 15, 1927 to Jim Beavers and Millicent (Poole) Beavers at the family homestead in Shirttail Canyon, S.W. of Pringle, SD. She was the second-youngest of 2 brothers and 5 sisters. Her parents separated when she was quite young and she moved to Custer with her mother and siblings where her mother worked at the State Tuberculosis Sanitarium. Like many kids of her generation, she dropped out of high school to start work. She worked at the old Mike Mica Mine and the Custer Mica Depot. For a short time during WWII she lived in Seattle, WA. After the war she returned to the Custer area where she married Clifford (Pat) Bebbington. They had two children and worked ranches together for many years while they raised their family. Later, Flossie, along with her mother and sister, Nellie worked at the T.B. Sanitarium as Aides. When the Sanitarium re-opened as Custer State Hospital (later re-named Custer Developmental Center), a facility for the developmentally disabled, she worked as a Medication Aide. When the State required it for her position, Flossie obtained her G.E.D. She was highly regarded and played a key role in making sure the residents got the best of care. She loved them all very much. She retired from there at age 65.

Flossie bought a nice place south of town in 1973. She loved having a place of her own and took great pride in her beautiful yard. Her son and his family lived on the property as well and after Pat's passing she had plenty of company right next door.

She enjoyed working with plants and spent lots of time reading. She was talented at knitting, sewing and baking. In her younger days she loved to dance and had many memories to share of the fun times she had. Some of her greatest loves were music, dogs, cats and spending time with her family. She was a loving mother and grandmother and was fortunate to have most of her grandchildren and great grandchildren nearby. She was exceptional and deeply loved by her family and friends.

Flossie passed away June 24th, 2009 at Custer Regional Senior Care, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease and declining health, at age 81.

She was preceded in death by both parents; her brothers, Harry and Tom; sisters, Dorothy and Nellie; and husband, Pat.

Survivors include her children, Montana Norvell of Los Alamos NM; Cliff (Linda) Bebbington of Custer; sisters, Helene Morawitz of Homer AK and Margie McCall of Elk Grove CA; three grandchildren, Jeremy Norvell of Pleasanton, CA; Tristan (Sonia) Bebbington and Autumn (Jeff) Durham of Custer; seven great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

At her request, her remains were cremated, and a private memorial will be held by her family at a later date.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.