Beverly Jean “Bev” Collings passed away in the early hours of the morning November 14, 2019.
Bev was born August 3, 1949 in Helena, Montana to Cleo and Ralph LaRue and lived here for the next 70 years.
Raised in Helena all her life, Bev attended Bryant grade school and graduated from Helena High School in 1968. Bev was an enthusiastic 4-H member and spent considerable time with her family attending rodeos to support Ralph as he competed in team-roping events. After high school, Bev attended Montana State University for a short time and married Steve Pillatzke in 1971. They made a home in the Helena valley with their three children. Bev loved to reminisce about the fun times she had traveling to rodeos with Steve and their kids, Chris, Adrienne, and Stephanie.
Bev went on to marry Jack Collings in 1991, and they had countless great adventures snowmobiling and camping with close friends Butch and Chico Schultz. She and Jack spent many summers serving as campground hosts at Devil’s Elbow and traveled often to craft shows during the winter. Bev made friends everywhere she went and always made everyone feel like they were part of her family. She loved sitting around a table playing dice or cards and trading jokes with everyone. She and Jack were the ultimate holiday hosts and every holiday dinner was followed by games and laughter. They were dedicated sports parents and attended all of Adrienne’s basketball games, Stephanie’s softball games, and watched Chris ride bulls as often as she could bear to watch!
Bev worked as a grocery store checker for 33 years, an occupation which perfectly complimented her friendly, sociable personality. She spent the last 17 of those years with Van’s Thriftway. Folks who regularly shopped there surely remember her trademark snow-white hair, welcoming smile, and kind words. Around town, she was constantly recognized and always made time to chat with people she knew from “the store”.
When Jack passed away, Bev frequently wondered aloud about what her next adventure would be. She often remarked that she had already spent part of her life in the rodeo world and then moved on to snowmobiling and camping, and she really wanted to know what would come next. Although Bev looked forward to retiring and spending time with her young grandchildren, Preston and Carson, fate had other plans and she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Considering this change in plans as just another adventure, Bev took the opportunity to learn kickboxing and explored other ways to tackle the challenge of living with Parkinson’s symptoms. As dementia eventually took hold over the next eight years, Bev slowly left this world. Her family is comforted to know that she has most certainly moved on to that next adventure she was always looking forward to.
Bev is survived by her children Chris (Ami) Pillatzke, Adrienne (Ryan) Jose, and Stephanie Pillatzke; four grandchildren including Preston and Carson Boudreau and Cody and Morgan Reichert; brother Jay (Michelle) LaRue; and step-father Floyd Hoff as well as step-children Dan (Lonnie) Collings, Dayna (Charlie) Gilman and their children, Dean Collings and a circle of wonderful friends whom she also considered family.
Bev was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Collings, and her parents.
A gathering for friends and family will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Friday, November 22nd.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday November 22, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday November 22, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Heidi Roy says
Bev was a great person we had such a good time working together at wester care
Maggie (Ernst) Mccartney says
I was so sad to read about Bev’s passing. I have known her since my late teens when our husbands worked for Buttrey Foods. I was married to Steve Ernst who also passed about a year ago. Bev was always so friendly. I enjoyed seeing her at Van’s and Devil’s Elbow, and catching up on our kids. May God comfort you, Pillatzke kids (adults), with great memories of a beautiful mom.
Clint Anderson says
So sorry to hear. Bev was always one of my favorites..
Mark Nardin says
Jack and Bev’s hospitality is like no other.
Come as friends and become family.
They opened their home to me and all my sleddogs for the “Race to the Sky” which was my best impression of how Montanans truely are. They became Godparents to our son and we shared many happy times amongst the friends and family because of Jack and Bev.
Jim and Viki Garman says
Bev was such a beautiful lady! Always smiling and taking the best of whatever life threw at her. Blessings to all of Bev’s family.
Wilda McGraw says
Bev and I were roommates our freshman year at MSU. She was fun and spirited, and the best “first” roommate anyone could have. Late night chats while eating Cheetos is a favorite memory! My deepest condolences to her family.
Tom juhl says
My condolences to the Family, I’ve known Bev since Bryant School and the Sixth Ward. R.I.P. Dear Bev………
Annell Fillinger says
I am so sorry to hear about Bev’s passing. She was always one of my favorite people – so kind, generous, and sweet. Her smile lit up any room and she always made room for anyone at her table. I pray you are comforted by all the sweet memories she created with you throughout her life. She will be greatly missed. My prayers will be with the family through this difficult time.
Denise Marie Hayden says
Always had fun with Bev and Jack! Bev was a friendly, happy face at Van’s have missed her for awhile. Love you all!
Glen J Cuchine says
Heaven has a brand new checker and her lane is open….what a wonderful smile and lady. RIP, Bev and enjoy your latest adventure.
Jacqueline Hoff says
So sorry for the struggles of Parkinson’s and Dimentia – for both Bev and her family. She was a sweetheart. May fond memories and the knowledge that she’s now at peace with Ralph, Cleo and Jack soothe your grief. Sincere sympathy. Jaci
Kathie says
Belatedly but with much love, my thoughts and prayers are with Adrienne, the rest of Bev’s family, and her many friends. I always enjoyed seeing and checking in with her at Vans. Peace and love to all.
Cathi Burgoyne says
We are so deeply sorry to get this news. She was a dear woman and always so kind to our son. Our deepest condolences to the kids and family. She is dearly missed and I am so glad to have known her.
Ron and Cathi Burgoyne
Theresa Racicot says
Dear Adrienne and family,
I loved your mother and knew her as many did from the stores she worked in, besides being your mom. What a wonderful woman heaven has gained. We all lost a very special person who made everyone feel special.
You will all be in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Love and prayers, Theresa Racicot
Kate Lawler says
My Favorite person to see in the checkout line. She was always smiling & friendly & made you feel better just visiting for a moment. Love her. RIP Beverly!
Michelle LaRue says
Bev was always smiling and up for anything. I am grateful to have known her. I am sad Jay missed saying goodbye. She is on her new adventure, no longer suffering.
And thanks to the children who wrote such a beautiful eulogy.
Becky Buckmaster says
Ah Bev, what can I say… What a hoot! Bev and I had the best times together when our kids were growing up. Laughing so hard our sides hurt. I’ve missed those days. We lost track a bit over the years, but every time we ran into each other it was like no time had passed. I’ll miss you my sweet friend; rest in peace. Blessing to her family.
Karen Bryson says
Condolences to Bev’s family. She is finally at peace. She was always so kind and caring and offered a big smile anytime I saw her. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Nancy Duel says
Bev was a wonderful and funny lady! We had so many wonderful times in the baton world going to parades with our girls twirling their little hearts out along with the Lorenz’s family too! I don’t ever remember Bev not having a beautiful smile and always a warm hug for you! God Bless You All
MAVANEE HOYER says
I knew Bev and Jack growing up on the west side of town and loved her sense of humor and her beautiful soul. She was the kindest person to know and a terrific worker. I’m so sorry for the important loss of this lady to her family
Mike Holland says
So sorry to hear. She had a bright smile and a quick laugh, the world will miss her.
Rick Ahmann says
Bev was one of Helena’s unshakable stars! My high school memories are of the smiling face on the other side of the counter at Van’s. After my brother, Drew, started there as a boxboy, Bev became a familiar part of our family comings and going on a first name basis. She was always interested in what each of us was up to and was so excited when I began my professional life back in Helena. With Bev, it was all about you. Getting to know Chris through his Mom was icing on the cake. Peace to all of you. Godspeed Beverly!
Barb and Ray Baum says
Chris, Adrienne and Stephanie, How those of us that knew your mother loved her, the twinkling smiling eyes and her smile. The memories that she left us with will live on in our hearts. She was so proud of each of you!
Pat Reichert says
So sorry to hear of your loss, Chris. I remember your mother at Van’s as the one who everyone tried to get in her line. Sweet, sweet lady. May your memories carry you through. God Bless.
Jacqueline Lloyd says
So sorry you struggled for so long. Rest in peace. You left a lot of memories for your children .
Jay Jerde says
Oh Bev. You’re up there with Jack. You two were the best part of Devil’s Elbow and I will always cherish those summers working with the two of you, and playing on the pontoon boat, and sunday morning breakfasts.
Stephanie, Adrienne and Chris…. so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was the funniest character, along with Jack. They always made me laugh! They were the angels of devil’s elbow!