Delta -- Susan Beckwith Dutson, age 71, an incredible person, mother, sister, champion of underdogs, and community activist, passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage on Friday, October 31, 2014. Her extensive family and friends mourn her loss and reel from the weight of all the things she was single-handily able to keep together.
She was born on April 18, 1943 to Frank S. and Wanda Peterson Beckwith. She hit the world running and began knitting at age three. She married Ray L. Dutson and together they had three children. Soon after her marriage, she opened her home to over 30 foster children, hoping to help them to a better life. She was the editor and publisher of the Millard County Chronicle Progress, a newspaper her father and grandfather had owned. She was the first female president of the Utah Press Association, the second woman on the National Newspaper Association. Her work with many others opposing the MX missile brought her friends from across the nation.
She read widely and could quote lines of dialogue months after she had read the book. The local library’s stats will take a dive without her. She was well versed in the knowledge of the Delta area. Who will be able to recount the stories now she is gone?
Karl Malone charmed her into being a Jazz fan but in the off season her preference was watching bull riding. She admired English comedies and their repartee. All her life she was fascinated by Native American Culture and even sewed her grandchildren jingle dresses for pow-wows. She took family members with her when she visited Washington, D.C., Egypt, Australia, and Taiwan. Her house was filled with mementos, oh, yes, and cats. If you would like one, please let us know.
She is survived by her son: Lewis Ray Dutson and his wife Shellie, who was Sue’s business partner; adopted daughter: Chasity Sue Dutson and her two children, Masyn and Greyslyn; “almost daughters”: Rita Bullcreek and Jean Smith. Her grandchildren include: Chelsie Rupp (Ian); Mallori Wood (Weston); Westin Dutson (Magen) and nine great-grandchildren. Also so many foster children and grandchildren; sisters: Jane Beckwith and Deb Greathouse (Craig); and brother: Frank Collins Beckwith (Cindy).
A viewing will be held on Thursday, November 6, at the Nickle Mortuary, 190 South Center in Delta, 6:00-8:00 pm. Her funeral will be held on Friday, November 7, at the Delta Utah West Stake Center, 188 North Main, Hinckley, Utah at 11:00 am; with a viewing held prior to the service, 9:30-10:40 am. Burial will be in the Hinckley Cemetery.