Beverly J. (King) Hill, 77, passed away on January 26, 2012, in Helena, MT.
Also known as “Sis” to her family and childhood friends, Beverly was born on March 29, 1934 in Missoula, MT. Beverly grew up in a ranching family near Arlee, MT. Some of her best childhood memories were those of living up Valley Creek and attending class at a one-room schoolhouse. School was three miles from home, uphill both ways. Their faithful pony and companion Dixie would assure Sis and her siblings would make it to school on time, by wagon in good weather and by sleigh in bad. After school, she’d light up the wood stove to serve her siblings a snack of melted cheese over crackers. This was the start of her many culinary excellences.
Always the picture of class and elegance, Beverly loved to cook, decorate a beautiful house, and entertain. Her tables were beautifully set with fresh flowers, and her best tablecloths, china, and crystal. Beverly’s meals were magnificent in quality and quantity. Of her many special recipes, Beverly was best known for her pies, as she was a master of the lost art of making flaky pie crusts from scratch. Beverly was just as gracious of a guest as she was a hostess. When visiting friends, she maintained she’d rather wash the dishes than dry them because she didn’t know where to put them away.
Despite largely growing up without the influence of her own mother who died when Beverly was young, Beverly was the best homemaker and mother imaginable. Beverly married Willard D. Hill in St. Ignatius, MT in 1955; they enjoyed 49 years of happiness together. Beverly and Willard made their home in Washington, Texas, and several places in Montana, finally settling in Helena in 1966.
Beverly was committed to excellence in her professional life just as much as she was to her family life. Her hard work resulted in numerous promotions, recognitions, and accolades. She worked for various Federal agencies throughout her career; ultimately retiring from the Veteran’s Administration at Fort Harrison after 44 years of service. In that time, she never took a sick day.
Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, her parents Roy and Mary Jane King, her brother, Gordon King, and her sister Maxine DeSaussure. She is survived by her son, K.C. Hill, of Helena; her adopted family at Rosetta Assisted Living; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The more difficult things were for Beverly, the more inspiring she became. “The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees.”
As Beverly was proud of her 56 year membership in the Order of the Eastern Star, an Eastern Star memorial burial service will be held graveside on Tuesday, January 31st, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Pleasant View Cemetery in St. Ignatius, MT. A memorial service for Beverly will be held on Wednesday, February 1st at 11:00 a.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave., Helena, MT. A lunch reception and celebration will follow in the social center of the funeral home.
Beverly loved flowers, or she would also appreciate your support of the Rosetta Activities Fund, 2530 Wildwood Lane, Helena, MT 59601 or Order of the Eastern Star, P.O. Box 608, Ronan, MT 59864. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
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Audrey Todd says
So sorry to hear of your moms passing K.C. Thinking of you.
Bev Moore says
To the Family:Please accept my condolences in her passing. I knew Bev from the VA. I worked with her from the nursing dept. Every nickel and dime to be accounted for..she always took her time to share that part of that budget. I very much enjoyed our time we spent. God be with you all.
Bob and JoAnn Longmire says
Sorry to hear about Bev, we worked with her at Fort Harrison. We will say a prayer for her. Sorry for your loss.
Bob and Marie-Anne King says
Sis as the most beautiful, kind, and courageous aunt one would ever encounter in a lifetime. We will MISS her. She was truly the symbol of elegance. WE LOVE YOU SIS.
Bob and Marie-Anne
Bonnie LaFountaine says
KC, I am so thankful to you for the trust you had in me and the staff to take care of Beverly. As sometimes happens she became out family and we loved her very much. I will miss her graceful presence.
Bonnie Lafountaine
Debbie Zuidema says
K.C. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your Mom. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dick Morgan says
Dear K.C. – I am sorry for your loss of your dear Mother. Take care of yourself.
Heidi Roy says
KC,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, my thoughts are prayers are with you during this time.
Janet Hoversland says
KC,
We were so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. What a sweet lady. I remember when Rachelw as 8 month old and I had to travel for a week for work and your mom came over to help Scott with Rachel. Also the kids always remember Halloween and she always gave out “Twinkies”. She was such a classy lady and a great neighbor. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
K.C. says
I was so sorry to hear about your Mom. I have so many fond memories and I was the recipient of some of those dinners. I especially enjoyed the cruise for your 40th Birthday. Great memories for all. Please know that friends care and are here for you.
Kate Lamping says
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother. Beverly was a joy to know, even for the short time I had with her at Rosetta. She was so pleasant and made my mom, Jean Starke, feel welcome while mom was a resident. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Katie Farr says
Sending love…
Kelly Brown says
KC, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss.. I really appreciated your mother when my mother was ill and everything that she did for her. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelly Brown
Laurie House says
Dear K.C.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Beverly was a very sweet and wonderful lady. She will be missed.
Take care, Laurie House
Leona Zaharko says
I worked with Bev for many years at the VA. She was a wonderful lady. I will always remember her delicious pecan pies.
Linda Kaiser says
KC,we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Your mother was a very special lady and will be missed.
Linda and Bill
Marlys and James Rulon says
I only met Beverly once but she had to be terrific to have a son like KC. Our condolences to KC and family and friends.
Mike & Shannon Mergenthaler says
We know of the trials and challenges that you are facing at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with and God Bless in this most difficult time. All our Love!!
Rod Applegate says
K.C.
My thoughts are with you and your family and friends during this time.
Thank you for unselfishly allowing so many of us to be a part of your mother’s life. She truly touched everyone and we can all learn a life lesson from her courage, strength and elegance.
Sally Heuscher says
K.C.
Just heard about your Mom. I am so sorry for your loss. She was an awesome lady. I’m thinking about you.
Sally Heuscher
Shelli Ritz says
K.C., I was saddened to hear about the loss of your dear mother and just wanted you to know that I’m thinking about and praying for you. Having very recently lost my mom, too, I hope you will be able to find comfort in knowing that your mother has moved on to a much better place!
Shellie larocque says
My condolences go out to Casey and family at this time my prayers for comfort and peace are sent your way . Bev was an amazing representation of class and strength . It is my privlage to have known her.