Adrienne "RenDee" Huckins

Adrienne Dee Huckins (Beals), "RenDee", 77, of Belle Fourche, South Dakota, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 7, 2025, in her beloved room at Rolling Hills Nursing Home. 

RenDee was born on July 29, 1947, in Belle Fourche to Robert Neal and Doris LaVonne Beals. She grew up on a sheep ranch north of town, where she learned the values of humility, resilience, and hard work. She attended grade school at the Owl Creek School, a one-room country school, before continuing her education at Belle Fourche High School. She later pursued an education in Business Administration and went on to serve her community in many ways—working for the state, managing the Lariat Motel, and spending many years as a trusted legal assistant to a local attorney. 

More than any title or job, RenDee was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, wife, daughter, and friend. She was known for her kindness, unwavering optimism, and ability to see the good in everyone she met. A true people person, she loved to be social and cherished her faith, pouring her heart into the United Methodist Church, where she was a proud and longtime member of the choir. With a beautiful soprano voice, she found joy in music and shared that joy with others. 

RenDee had a lighthearted spirit and a deep well of love. She was funny, forgiving, and strong in the quiet, graceful way of those who endure life's hardships without complaint. A tough ranch girl at heart, she moved to town to raise her boys and build a life of her own. She was married twice, first to Leigh Merriman, with whom she had her two sons, and then to the love of her life, Gary Robert Huckins. She loved God, good conversation, and—on occasion—a nice glass of red wine. 

In 1997, RenDee was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but she refused to let it define her. She worked long past the doctors’ expectations, never once feeling sorry for herself, always looking forward to tomorrow. She faced every challenge with dignity and perseverance, embodying a quiet strength that inspired all who knew her. 

She is survived by her sons, Michael (Kelly) and Robert (Miranda) Merriman; stepchildren, Derek (January) Huckins and Nicole Eastman; grandchildren, Benjamin, Alexander, and Tatum Merriman; brother, Eric (Maureen) Beals; sister, Robin Wilkins; niece, Keri Beals; nephew, Steven (Lila) Beals; and great-niece, Madison Beals. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her wonderful, loving husband, Gary Robert Huckins; and her beloved pets, Tippy and Scruffy.

RenDee’s warmth, laughter, and unwavering faith will be dearly missed but forever remembered. 

A service will be held at the Belle Fourche Global Methodist Church on February 12 at 10:30 AM, followed by a brief ceremony at Pine Slope Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside Gary. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Belle Fourche Global Methodist Church: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/1316446

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Rolling Hills Nursing Home, who provided her with love and care for nearly a decade. 

May RenDee’s memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her. 

Funeral Service

10:30 A.M. – Wednesday – February 12, 2025

Belle Fourche Global Methodist Church

Belle Fourche, South Dakota

 

Officiant

Pastor Sheri Fadley

 

Tributes

Michael Merriman

Robert Merriman

 

Congregational Music

“Amazing Grace”,

“Standing on the Promises”

Judy Howard, pianist

 

Interment

Pine Slope Cemetery

Belle Fourche, South Dakota