Heaven’s draperies and angel gowns have likely taken on a fresh, new look as God’s master seamstress arrived on the scene on December 20, 2019. Beverly Jean Thompson Hart Donaldson was born on March 8, 1936 at a mere 3 lbs. 6 oz. Her parents, Tilford and Earlene Thompson, were told to take a good look because Bev wasn’t going to make it. But she proved them wrong and went on to live a full and productive life up until recent weeks when mesothelioma took its final toll. Even then, parting was difficult, knowing there were more wedding dances to attend & great-grandchildren to kiss. There would never have been enough time for her to do all she intended in her life.
Bev grew up in Cut Bank, MT and was raised by Frank & Earlene Hart, along with her brother Don. After high school, she attended college at MSC in Bozeman where she was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, Phi Sigma Kappa Sweetheart, Harvest Ball Queen along with many other social activities. (We can’t ever recall grades being discussed…hmmm). In 1958, she graduated with a degree in Home Economics teaching.
After graduation, college beau and fellow 4-H’er, Gene Donaldson returned from his service in the Army and after 2 attempts at popping the question, was able to get a YES. They were married Dec. 28, 1958. Bev was a teacher at Helena Junior High for 1 year until the arrival of their son David. Later Bev and Gene welcomed two more children, Denise and Colleen.
Bev was Gene’s business partner on their ranch in the Helena valley where the city girl got an education on farm/ranch life. From the early morning pitter patter of baby animal’s feet on the kitchen floor to bailing hay, driving grain truck, vaccinating, and branding, Bev took it all in. Bev also enjoyed the 1/2 acre garden at the ranch and the canning and freezing that went with it. She always made sure there was enough for anyone who sat around her table.
Bev taught adult education, volunteered at Warren School, and was a 4-H leader where she taught many girls to sew. Have you ever heard the saying, “Teach your children to love fabric and they’ll never have money for drugs?.” Well, Bev had that ability to pass on her passion for fabric. She had a magnificent supply of fabric & notions for projects that will keep her offspring busy for decades to come…literally. Bev also generously donated supplies to missions in Africa as well as local non-profits that teach young people to sew.
After Gene’s death in 1987, Bev sold the ranch and moved to town where she worked for MHESAC, Blue Cross, the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, was the MT State Senate Page Coordinator & completed Gene’s term in the MT House of Representatives. In the past decade, Bev blessed a number of older folks by caring for them in their final years. Despite her small stature, Bev gave in gigantic proportions to her friends, family, and community. She served as a docent for the MT State Historical Society, Community Concert Board Member, MT Pork Producers Nutrition Council member, 4-H Community Center Board, Little Red School House Preservation Committee, President of the MSU Alumni Association, and the Herrick Hall Restoration Committee.
Bev loved a full social calendar that included ladies Bible study, Home-Ec Club, Community Concert events, church, Grand Street theatre plays, lunch with her many friends, and Bobcat games. GO CATS! Her greatest joy though was driving up and down the highways in order to take in her grandchildren’s events and celebrations. She was the family historian and enjoyed studying genealogy.
Bev was welcomed into heaven by her Savior, her parents, step-father, husband Gene, and grandchildren Michael & Amy Johnson. Those left who miss her deeply are children: Dave (Brenda) Donaldson, Denise (Ron) Johnson, & Colleen (Ron) Howell, and her grandchildren & great-grandchildren, Katy & Jessica Donaldson; Tucker, Mica, Leena, & Leila Johnson; Kassi, Lucas, Kyrstan, Finnigan, Irene, & Tilly Jack, Joshua Johnson; Anthony, Katie, Weston, Barrett, & Colter Howell; Jacob, Heather, Lola, & Lily Howell; Samuel Howell & fiancé Morgan Carlstrom; and Joshua & Jana Howell. Bev is also survived by her siblings, Don (Peggy) Hart, Steve (Carol) Thompson, Tom Thompson, Jeanette (Dennis) Thorp, and Nancy (George) Von Arx and their children and families, her in-laws, Pat and Tom Herrin and their children and families, and god-children, Heather LaCotta and Scott and Derek Baum. A special thanks to her many wonderful friends whom she loved and for the amazing staff at Bozeman Lodge.
Memorials may be sent to the Donaldson Family Scholarship or the Earlene Hart Scholarship at Montana State University in Bozeman (PO Box 172750, Bozeman, MT 59717-2750) or a charity of choice.
Viewing will be held Friday, December 27th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:oo p.m at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59602. Funeral service and will be held on Saturday, December 28th at 11:00 at First Presbyterian Church, 535 N. Ewing St, Helena, MT 59601. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. A burial will take place following the reception at Forestvale Cemetery. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Bev.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 27, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 28, 2019
First Presbyterian Church
535 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following Funeral
Saturday December 28, 2019
First Presbyterian Church
535 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following Reception
Saturday December 28, 2019
Forestvale Cemetary
490 Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 27, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 28, 2019
First Presbyterian Church
535 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following Funeral
Saturday December 28, 2019
First Presbyterian Church
535 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following Reception
Saturday December 28, 2019
Forestvale Cemetary
490 Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Pearle and Arlyn Plowman says
Our sincere condolences to Bev’s family and many friends. We will miss her ever present smile and gentle spirit.
Tonna Strasko says
Thank you family for sharing Bev. She gave so much to our church and everyone who knew her. Bev, I will miss your soft voice and smile.
Virginia Michels says
Dave; Denise &Colleen-
Words cannot describe my deepest feelings for all of you at this very difficult time in your lives. I so enjoyed knowing both of your parents who were “The Best of the Best”. Cherish the wonderful memories they left with each of you!
Here is Pam’s poem that I carry with me always:
Remember me with Smiles & Laughter – For that’s how I will remember you all
If you can only remember me with tears – then don’t remember me at all
Love, Jinny Michels
Jeri Gunlickson Dalbec says
R.I.P., dear friend, Bev. Just so sad. Prayers for the family she was so proud of.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Bev was a wonderful Christian woman who we respected very much. She will surely be missed. We send our sincere sympathy to the entire Donaldson family.
Nadine Wong says
I’m so sorry to hear of Bev’s passing. I will remember her beautiful smile and kindness. She was an artist with fabric and a good friend to my Aunt Verna Green and my Mother Donna Demchenko. I am blessed to have known her. May she rest in peace.
Susan Andersen says
Susan and Bob Andersen
I was so sad to see the picture of my friend Bev. We enjoyed many coffees together at our Leg. Coffee Group. However, she was my teacher at HMS so I have known her for quite a long time. It is with a sad heart I say goodbye, but know she will be with Gene and others that have left her. God bless you my friend.
Valerie says
When we lived in Helena, Bev was a special person in my life at the church.
A lovely, sweet soul. God bless You all, her family and friends, as you grieve her passing
but may your faith, family, friends and many memories give you needed strength till we
are all reunited one day.
Valerie Raisch
Ocala, Florida
Rick Broadwater says
God Bless and my condolence to the Donaldson family. Gene and Bev were lifelong friends of my parents.
I am so grateful that Bev took the time to visit my mother in the last years of her life. She loved to see and visit with you. Thank you.
Rick
Julie Massaro says
Bev’s Family,
I had the pleasure of working for a few years with Bev at MHESAC/SAF. We also shared the same birthday so that was always special to share the special day with her. She was such a bright spot in my day whenever I would see her after she retired and I enjoyed catching up with her.
I’m sorry to see of her passing, but I’m sure she’s having quite the reunion with her husband and loved ones!
My condolences to you all.
Mike Griffith says
Dave, there were many dark mornings in the fall when Howdy & Greg Murfitt and I would show up at the ranch to go goose hunting. Your Mom would greet us with a warm welcome and coffee for our thermoses. Even following the untimely death of your Dad, your Mom never lost her smile and grace. My condolences for your loss.
Brett Wall says
My love and prayers to the Donaldson family. Our families go way back, I have wonderful memories of Bev, her love, smile and dedication.
Cindy Bridgewater says
Colleen … I’m sending you the strength of my heart and faith to help guide you through this difficult time. Sit with your family and talk about all the good times, the funny times. Your mother has been warmly embraced in God’s arms where he will forever keep her happy and safe.
Jon & Becky Bass says
Dave, Denise, and Colleen, What a precious soul, and a beautiful person inside and out. Just want you to know our prayers are with each of you and I’am so thankful that I had the opportunity of knowing her. I’am sure Our Savior welcomed her with great big opened arms. Bless each of you during this difficult time. Friends forever Jon & Becky(Linton)Bass
Sandy Wong says
Denise, Colleen and David,
So sorry to learn of your mother’s passing, especially at Christmas. May you be comforted in knowing she touched so many lives, and feel the support and good wishes of many friends and family members lifting you up in prayer. Blessings to all of you!
Sandy Newhouse Wong
CROL JEAN (MATHEWS) ROEHM says
I WAS BEV’S ROOMMATE IN COLLEGE. WE WERE SORORITY SISTERS IN ALPHA GAMMA DELTA. BEV WAS THE “BEAUTY QUEEN” OF THE SORORITY, AS SHE WAS THE PRETTIEST ONE THERE. SHE WAS ALWAYS NOMINATED FOR QUEEN OF SOMETHING. ONE SUMMER BEV CONVINCED DEAN BROWN, THE DEAN OF WOMEN, THAT WE TWO SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO LIVE OFF CAMPUS FOR THE SUMMER SCHOOL, IN A FRIEND’S BASEMENT BECAUSE WE WERE BABY-SITTING. WE LIVED THERE ONE SUMMER AND ENJOYED BEING OFF CAMPUS. PLEASE KNOW THAT SHE LOVED YOU ALL VERY MUCH AND MADE EVERY ATTEMPT TO DRIVE ALL OVER MONTANA TO ATTEND YOUR SPECIAL DAYS. I MISS HER VERY MUCH.
Connie Roope says
Much to my surprise and sadness, I just read of Bev’s passing. I grew to know Bev through church and as a customer of my quilt store. I always enjoyed our talks, whether they included church or her beautiful work with all things fabric. I especially took delight when she spoke of sharing her love of quilting with her daughter and granddaughter. I am sorry I did not know of her passing sooner. I would have been at her service. My thoughts and prayers are with Bev’s family…Connie Roope
Suzanne Mannix says
The best description I have for Bev would be that thinking of her warms ones heart and brings a smile. Good memories of her kindness to my family. She sewed a beautiful prom dress for my daughter. When we couldn’t find any clothes to fit my grandmother’s little frame, Bev sewed clothes for her. So many will miss this warm and wonderful lady. Sincere condolences for family and friends.