Ola Harrell
July 30, 1924 ~ December 13, 2016
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Ola Ray Harrell, 92, of Miller, passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital, Miller.
Funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Miller with Rev. Max Miller officiating. Burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller. Visitation was held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 16, 2016 with a 6:00 p.m. prayer service, all at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.
Ola Ray Harrell was born July 30, 1924 on the family farm in Follett, Texas, a small farm and ranch town in the far northeast corner of the Texas Panhandle. He was the sixth child of Creed Audust and Alice (Clark) Harrell.
Ole grew up on the family farm outside Follett, attending grade school and high school in Follett. He graduated from Follett High School in 1943 and worked on the family farm until September 1944 when he joined the United States Navy. He attended “boot camp” at Camp Farragut, Idaho, graduating in January 1945. After boot camp, Ole reported to Port Chicago, CA. where he served until his discharge from the US Navy in 1946.
He farmed with his family in TX until moving to Miller, SD on March 7, 1949 where the family had bought more land. Ole continued farming in Miller with his family until he met and married Ruth Eschenbaum Bechtold. The couple raised six children while farming at several locations in central SD. All six children graduated from Miller High School. He also milked dairy cows until about 1976. Ole served on the Alpha Township Board from 1979 – 2011. In that time, he served several years as president of the Township Board. Ruth served as Treasurer of the Township Board from 1991-1997.
Ole is survived by his children: Dennis (Joy) Bechtold of Fruita, CO; Ken Bechtold of Huron, SD; Teresa Venjohn of Watertown, SD; Delvin Harrell of Englewood, CO; Melvin (LeeAnn) Harrell of Groton, SD; Bill (Correen) Harrell of Omaha, NE; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; his sister, Erma Hunter of Oklahoma City, OK; his brother, Max (Wanda) Harrell of Miller, SD; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Ole was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; his parents, Creed and Alice; three brothers; and one sister.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Ola’s arrangements.
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After a long life here on earth, Ole can finally say; I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: (2nd Timothy) It was a real honor to get to know Ole, and to have him as a friend. I will miss him.
Bill has always spoken so highly of his dad. Even though I did not meet him, I know he was a special man. My condolences to all of his children and family members. Kami – coworker of Bill
Dear Grandpa Ola ~ I was honored to meet you and I cherish that my grandsons have you in them and knowing that you will always be with them.
My sincere sympathy to the family of Ola Harrell.
My thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
One of my favorite neighbors growing up he was a wonderful man my sympathy to the family
Sorry to here of you loss. Our Deepest Sympathy Dr. Dick and Kathy Splichal
I have so many memories of coffee, playing cards, and doing stupid things with Ruth & Ole and I enjoyed every bit of it. My paryers and thoughts are with the Harrell Families and as long as hearts remember we never part with those we love– They’re with us everywhere. So may your memories, bring peace and comfort to you at this time of sorrow.
Melvin and LeeAnn and families, We send our sympathy and prayers to you. May you feel the comfort of God’s loving arms around you. Dan and Marilyn
It has been several years since I last saw Uncle Ole, but I have lots of good memories of time spent on the farm with him and Aunt Ruth. Even though the loss of an older parent is expected, it is never easy. My thoughts and prayers to all of you at this difficult time. Carol