Beulah La Follette

Beulah was born October 13, 1918 in Churdan, Iowa, the daughter of Dillard Thomas and Bessie (Murphy) Taylor. Beulah graduated from Jefferson High School and later attended Simpson College graduating in 1941 with a teaching certificate. Her marriage to Robert M. La Follette took place on March 25, 1944 in Des Moines. Beulah taught second and third grades in Johnston before her marriage and continued to teach until she and Robert began to have children. Beulah was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Judith Erickson and six siblings. Beulah was a devoted mother, raising her four children, Robert, Judith, Marcia and Mark. She was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines, where she was active in UMW and the Quilters Guild. She was also a Girl Scout for over sixty years. Not only was she a Girl Scout, she was a Girl Scout leader and was instrumental in the founding of the first inner city Brownie Troup in Des Moines. Her activist work in the Girl Scouts was recognized nationally. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Robert M. La Follette of Des Moines, her 4 children, Dr. Robert G. (Lynn) La Follette of Winterset; Marcia Edwards of Harlem, GA; Rev. Mark (Judy) La Follette of Cottage Grove, MN; a son-in-law, Dr. Gene Erickson of Apex, NC; two sisters, Betty (Dick) Nystuen of Cedar Falls; Frances Burns of Decorah; 12 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. Visitation: A visitation with family present will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 17, 2009 at Ochiltree Funeral Service and Aftercare Service: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 2009 at First United Methodist Church in Winterset Memorial: Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.ochiltree.com.