Sophie Marie Beutler

Sophie Marie (Nielsen) Beutler, 100, died Thursday, December 11, 2014, at Elim Care Nursing Home in Fargo, ND.

Sophie (Sofie) was born September 7, 1914, near Oberon, ND, to parents Nels Peter Nielsen and Elizabeth Marie (Madsen) Nielsen. She graduated from the Oberon Public School. She attended Minot State Teachers College, receiving a teaching "standard" certificate. She later continued her education at Valley City State College, receiving a bachelor of science in education. She taught in many rural and community schools, retiring from the Drake Public School District in 1979.

Sophie married Eddie E. Beutler on October 24, 1950. They had three children: Elaine, Charles, and Elizabeth.

Sophie was an active member of the Drake Baptist Church (now United Community Church of Anamoose), serving as Sunday School teacher, church Treasurer, and in the Women's Mission Circle. She was a member of the Tip Top Homemakers Club. She was active in the Drake Senior Citizens group, also serving as Treasurer and President.

Sophie was a member and officer of the McHenry County Commission on Aging, and a county delegate to the North Dakota Silver-Haired Assembly for five terms. She was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary - Unit 4, of Minot, where she served as local Commander several terms. She also served as the Department Commander of the North Dakota D.A.V.A. in 1990-91.

As Sophie transitioned from Drake to Fargo, she became active in the First Baptist Church there. She enjoyed reading, and would frequently read stories to children. She also enjoyed knitting, and working on jig-saw puzzles.

Sophie is survived by Charles E. (Debra) Beutler, and Elizabeth M. Beutler; five grandchildren - Robert A. Sharkey, Steven M. (Terry) Sharkey, Diane M. (Dan) Lambert, Tyrel K. (Jessica Hagy) Beutler, and Owen M. Beutler; seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Elma Richardson, and Pearl (Jim) Kragrud; nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Helen Muirhead; and son-in-law, Robert C. Sharkey.

Sophie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eddie; her daughter, Elaine B. (Robert C.) Sharkey; her brothers, August N. Nielsen and Alvin Nielsen; and a sister-in-law, Marion Vigen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.