Correne Augusta Bestgen Northrup

Correne Augusta “Reene” Bestgen Northrup, 92, of Harvest, Alabama, passed away in the early morning on March 19, 2025. Visitation will be held at noon on Saturday, March 29, at Legacy Chapel Funeral Home of Madison, with the service at 1:00. Burial will follow the funeral service at Huntsville Memory Gardens on Hwy 72.

Correne was born in Sturgis, South Dakota, on May 20, 1932. She was the last of ten children, born and raised on their farm. At age 8, she lost her oldest brother, Otto, who was killed in World War II in France. At age 15, she lost her mother, Dora Catherine Bestgen, who died on April 22, 1947. Correne attended and graduated from St. Martin’s Catholic School in Sturgis before going on to Secretarial School. She was the last surviving sibling.

Correne met and married Edward Lewis Howell, USAF, in 1953. They lived in El Paso, Texas, where she gave birth to her only child, a daughter, Ginger Ruth. She lost her beloved father, August Godfrey, in February 1955, 10 months before her daughter was born. As a devoted military wife, she served overseas in Europe and the U.S. She was Chairman of the Junior Red Cross in Seville, Spain. During the Vietnam era, she lived in Petersburg, Virginia, where she worked as a secretary to the Chief of Police. She was also a member of the Petersburg chapter of Quota, International, an organization of executive and businesswomen working to strengthen opportunities and resources for all citizens. After moving to Livorno, Italy, in 1972, she traveled throughout Italy and the Greek Isles. After settling in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, she worked for Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, MS, as a Technical Editor. She continued working there after her divorce in 1976.

While still working at Ingalls Shipbuilding, she met and married retired Naval Commander Franklin C. Northrup in 1988. They lived in Gautier, Mississippi. Correne was involved with Toastmasters International in Gautier, and Frank served as director of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Pascagoula, MS. Correne joined the Auxiliary, where she studied and earned her First Mate’s License. She and Frank loved boating in the Gulf and traveling the world together. Frank Northrup passed away on August 16, 1993. Correne lost her home in Gautier to Hurricane Katrina and later moved to Tucson, Arizona.

In 2016, Correne moved to Harvest, Alabama, to live with her daughter, Ginger, and son-in-law, John Davis. Correne adored her great-granddaughter, Sophia, and cherished watching her dance. When able, Correne attended the Rock Family Worship Center with John and Ginger. For the past two years, she lived at Madison at the Range. After a week-long hospital stay due to the flu, she was released to a rehabilitation facility. On her first night there, she peacefully said her prayers, went to sleep, and awoke in the loving arms of Jesus.

Correne is survived by her daughter, Ginger Davis; son-in-law, John Davis; her beloved grandchildren, Bryan Garrett and Corrine Gregory; Corrine's husband, Joe Gregory; and their daughter, her precious great-granddaughter, Sophia.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Alzheimer's Research Association or The American Heart Association.