Diana (Kay) Beaver Gustafson passed into the hands of the Lord on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011, after a brief illness.
She was born in Helena to Gus and Nell Bernice Beaver on Sept. 26, 1946.
Diana was born with Downs syndrome but lived at home with her family during her younger years. She was affectionately nicknamed “Dee Dee” by her family and was never treated differently from her younger siblings. She attended Emerson School with her younger siblings for four years. Her first and second grade teachers allowed her to attend and be a part of classroom activities, including the Christmas programs, which was very unusual as there wasn’t a special needs program in the school system at that time. She then attended the Boulder River School where she learned to work in the school’s nursery. Dee Dee came home on holidays to be with her family. When the Boulder River School closed in the 1970s she moved into a group home in Butte. She later moved back to Helena with her family and then moved into a group home and was employed by Helena Industries.
While Dee Dee was living in Boulder she met the love of her life, Willard Gustafson. He was able to locate her in the group home after she moved to Helena, and they were married on Sept. 24, 1978, in the First Christian Church. They have been faithful members of the church since their marriage and were a special couple who was loved by their pastor and members of their congregation. They were a very close, loving couple during their 32-plus years of marriage, and it was a joy to see them walking together hand in hand through the streets of Helena.
Her greatest enjoyments in life were creating her latch-hook rugs, her paintings, music and dancing and watching old western movies. She was a very outgoing person who loved to hug everybody and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Dee Dee was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband, Willard; and her siblings and spouses, Don and Jane Beaver of Post Falls, Idaho, Nancy Archer of Billings, Joyce Sturn, Shirley and Keith Herrin, Larry Beaver and Phyllis and Dick Lamping, all of Helena, Mary and Bing Crosby of Tustin Calif., Judy and Corky Harris, John Beaver and Helena and Clarice St. Clair of East Helena. She is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces as well as innumerable great-nephews and great-nieces.
Cremation has taken place under the care of Retz Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the First Christian Church, 311 Power, with a reception following. To offer condolences to the family or to share a memory of Dee Dee, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Pennie Kittilson says
It has been a great pleasure to know Kay she brought a smile to my face and a hug to my heart every day. Her and I were family because we had the same name Diana Kay and Pennie K. She has a very special place in my heart and I will miss her. I know that she is with God and that he is keeping her company and she will keep him laughing until we get to see her again in the promised land. Love you Kay.Kay was an angel sent from above to bring us smiles and hugs.
Connie Cutler says
Willard and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. She had such a caring heart and was always so kind. I recall her being so proud to show off her paintings. You now have a special angel watching over you. Take care Willard.
Mr. Mrs. Dennis Dean says
To Willard and the sisters and brothers of our dear sweet Dee Dee . Know you are all in our hearts and prayers. One day we will join her with our Lord Jesus and celebrate HIM together in true and complete LOVE. Until then I will miss her sincere joy for others .
robin says
Kay was a friend of mine. She loved hugs just like me. My thoughts are with willard and family! god bless and im sorry for the lost. Her smile will keep!
Scott Budlong says
Grace and Peace to Kay as you return to God’s care in the future unknown. Kay was a gift that blessed First Christian Church. I am honored that our community of Christ walked together with Kay and Willard. Grace and Peace.
Faun Pullin says
I worked with Kay and Willard at Helena Industries in the early 1980. What a great lady and the y were the cutest couple together, who ever walked the streets in Helena. Always taking good care of Willard. Kay had the biggest heart and loved to give hugs. She will be missed. My heart and prayers go out to her family and especially Willard… Always, Faun