Beatrice H. Phinney

Beatrice H. Phinney, 88, of Wood Lake, formerly of Granite Falls, MN passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 26, 2015 at the Granite Manor in Granite Falls. A Celebration of Beatrice’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at the Wood Lake United Methodist Church in Wood Lake. Visitation will be from 4 – 8 pm on Wednesday at the Sunset Funeral Home in Echo with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. All are welcome to a luncheon at the church immediately following the service. A private family burial will take place at the Wood Lake Cemetery. The Sunset Funeral & Cremation Association is caring for the family. Beatrice Huberdine (Varsnick) Phinney was born on Saturday, April 23, 1927 to Henry and Mable (Clausen) Varsnick in Richland Valley, Montana. At the age of 2, Beatrice moved with her family to Granite Falls, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith and attended Granite Falls Public Schools. On January 12, 1945, Beatrice was united in marriage to Wayne Phinney. They made their home on Twin Pine Farm north of Wood Lake where Beatrice was a mother, homemaker, and helped Wayne farm. She was a member of the Wood Lake United Methodist Church and helped with the ladies aid. Beatrice enjoyed bowling, golfing, shuffle board, playing cards, painting, sewing, crafting, shopping, and loved dancing. “Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting” is a saying that accurately describes Beatrice’s ability to bake and cook. She was known for sweetening up the grandkids with her famous chocolate chip cookies, rhubarb dessert, and chocolate angel food cake. Occasionally, she could get the grandkids to eat her great hot dishes and home cooked meals. 25 years ago, Beatrice and Wayne started wintering in Mesa, Arizona where they loved to get together with friends, and throw parties. On Thursday, November 26, 2015, Beatrice passed away peacefully at the Granite Manor in Granite Falls, Minnesota at the age of 88 years, 7 months, and 4 days. She is survived by her four children, James (Arlene) Phinney of Dent, William (Diana) Phinney of Wood Lake, Richard (Sandra) Phinney of Wood Lake, and Susan Bode of Chanhassen; eight grandchildren, Mark (Christine) Phinney, Jon (Katie) Phinney, Joseph (fiance Laura Johnson) Phinney, Brian (Marie) Phinney, Megan (Paul) Grudt, Angela (Dan) Neuman, Melissa (Mike) Froehling, and Pamela (Tomm) Geistfeld; thirteen great grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, one daughter, Marcia, her parents, and seven siblings, Arthur, Phyllis, Catherine, Joyce, Dorothy, Delores, and Robert. Blessed be her memory.