Berma Mae Saxton, 81, of Helena, Montana, died on Wednesday, July 31, at BeeHive Homes of Helena after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on November 3, 1942, in Portland, Oregon, Berma graduated from Helena High School in 1961 and earned a BA in Journalism from the University of Montana in 1966.
In her early career, Berma worked as a journalist for the Independent Record and the Billings Gazette. After obtaining her teaching certificates, she dedicated over 25 years to teaching English and Creative Writing in the Helena School District. She also spent ten years as a technical writer for the Montana Hospital Association. In retirement, Berma generously volunteered at St. Peter’s Hospital in the oncology unit and for hospice care.
Berma had a deep love for photography, travel, nature, animals, and reading, with a special fondness for the wolves of Yellowstone. A prolific wordsmith, her passion for writing remained a constant throughout her life. In 2000, she became a member of Covenant United Methodist Church, serving faithfully in leadership roles over 24 years. She was actively involved in the Emmaus Community and gave her time in missions, particularly Family Promise.
Special gratitude is expressed to close friends who supported Berma this past year, especially the caring staff at BeeHive Homes and St. Peter’s Hospice.
Berma is preceded in death by her mother, Afton Hansen Saxton, and father, Edward J. Saxton. She will be laid to rest beside her mother in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Although she is not survived by any immediate family, special acknowledgment goes to Ron Keim and his daughters Valerie, Gwen, and Krista.
Services will be held on Friday, August 2, at Covenant UMC, with viewing at 9 am, followed by the funeral at 9:30 am and graveside service at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to The University of Montana School of Journalism or a charity of your choice. Condolences can be shared at aswfuneralhome.com in memory of Berma.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 am to 9:30 am
Friday August 2, 2024
Covenant United Methodist Church
2330 E Broadway St.
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Service
9:30 am
Friday August 2, 2024
Covenant United Methodist Church
2330 E Broadway St.
Helena, MT 59601
Graveside Service
10:15 am
Friday August 2, 2024
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 am to 9:30 am
Friday August 2, 2024
Covenant United Methodist Church
2330 E Broadway St.
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Service
9:30 am
Friday August 2, 2024
Covenant United Methodist Church
2330 E Broadway St.
Helena, MT 59601
Graveside Service
10:15 am
Friday August 2, 2024
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
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Stephanie MUNK says
You are in heaven with angels Berma.
Remembering the Keim Cruise you attended with all of us gals. You certainly had a great time.
Rest in peace!
Gwen (Keim) Anderson says
Berma especially loved to watch birds, and now I think of her flying free.
My first car was originally owned by Berma, and my dad bought from her for me to drive during my senior year at UW, particularly to get to my student teaching assignments in Seattle. The car, which I named Sky King, brought me to the San Francisco Bay Area, where Berma lived for some time, and I live today. I’m sure she would appreciate that Sky King went to one of my high school students , who totally appreciated the classic ‘59 Ford that she cherished until it came to me.
jerod says
i ended up with one of Berma’s records. I never knew her but feel connected now.