Beverly Jean Sloan, 79, peacefully passed away at home in Butte, Montana, on December 16, 2021, after living with Alzheimer’s for the past seven years. Beverly was born in San Diego, California, on November 17, 1942, to Earl and Ruth Pankratz. She was the first of five children and loved her brothers and sisters with all her heart. She was raised in Marion, Kansas, and graduated from Marion High School in 1960. Beverly received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, in 1964. She met her future husband, Bruce, through her younger sister, Judy, and they were married on August 8, 1964, in Marion, Kansas. At the time of her death, Beverly and Bruce had celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. Beverly continued her education at Emporia State and received a master’s degree in Library Science in 1966.
She and Bruce moved to Topeka, Kansas, where Beverly was the librarian at Jay Schidler Junior High School. They became foster parents to three boys during this time due to Beverly’s active involvement with the boys at school. They were blessed with their first child, Brenda, who was born in 1967.
Beverly and Bruce then moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 1968, so Bruce could continue his graduate studies. They were blessed with their second child, Brian, who was born in 1969. While in Stillwater, Beverly served as the librarian for the Oklahoma Vocational Department. She and Bruce were also foster parents to a young girl.
Beverly spent two years as the librarian at Derby High School in Derby, Kansas.
In 1974, the family moved to Omaha, Nebraska. Beverly was recruited and hired to start the library for the Vocational Technical High School at Father Flanagan’s Boys Town. Beverly was dedicated to her family and was actively involved in her children’s activities. She encouraged and supported them in everything they did. She was also very active in her church serving as an elder and deacon at West Hills Presbyterian. She also volunteered with a program that regularly delivered food and clothes to homeless individuals in downtown Omaha.
In 1988, she and Bruce moved to Indianola, Iowa, where Bruce taught mathematics at Simpson College. During their time in Indianola, Beverly was the librarian at Morman Trail High School, Winterset High School, and Indianola Middle School. She was actively involved in a local program serving the homeless population including serving as the Chairperson for the Board of Directors. She prepared and served meals for the Catholic Worker House in Des Moines, Iowa, and she was active with the United Church of Christ.
In 2005, Beverly retired, and she and Bruce moved to Butte, Montana, to be near their daughter, Brenda, and her family. Beverly loved her two grandchildren with all her heart. She moved to Butte so she could care for them after school and during the summers. Together, they went on many adventures from the backyard to Disneyland! She was always a very cool grandma!
Beverly believed strongly in giving back and supporting her community. She volunteered through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Butte Rescue Mission, Butte 4-C’s, Butte Literacy Program, Safe Space, We Deliver, and the United Church of Christ.
Beverly was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014. She and Bruce moved to a cottage at the Springs to make daily activities a little easier. She loved the sunshine, her kitty, telling stories, and singing. It was a privilege for her husband and daughter to provide her care during this time and until the time of her passing. Beverly had a big heart, loved her family, and always saw the good in people. We will miss her deeply.
Beverly was preceded in death by her mother and father. She is survived by her husband, Bruce; daughter, Brenda Hergott (Greg); son, Brian Sloan (Molly); grandchildren, Hannah Hergott (Cam) and Jacob Hergott (Caroline); sisters, Judy Carpenter (Ron) and Karen Pankratz; brothers, Dennis Pankratz (Mary Ellen) and Charles Pankratz (Nancy). The family would like to thank Encompass Hospice for their care of Beverly during her final days. They were compassionate, respectful, and above all they made Beverly comfortable.
A celebration of life service for Beverly Sloan will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the United Congregational Church, 2945 Bayard St., Butte, MT, 59701.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Beverly.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Beverly and her family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 14, 2022
United Congregational Church
2945 Bayard St.
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 14, 2022
United Congregational Church
2945 Bayard St.
Butte, MT 59701
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Darlene Allen says
Bruce and family, Bev was an angel here on earth and will now join the other angels in heaven. She was such a gem and always had a kind word to share along with a hug and a smile for everyone she saw. She will be missed but will not be forgotten for all she has done for so many people in the city of Butte. I remember her smile and the kind words she would always say to people.
Carol Buell says
Bev was one of the finest librarians I have ever known: smart, savvy, and dedicated to serving the students at Omaha’s Metropolitan Technical Community College (where we worked together back in the late 1970’s). She lit up any room she entered, and made the library a welcoming place. What a gal! She will be sorely missed.
Molly Clark says
Bev was one of the most enthusiastic professionals I ever worked with. She was so creative and hard-working. Our thoughts are with you, Bruce, and your family.
Cherie Garlish says
Cherie Garlish Dear Brenda and family, I am so very sorry for your loss, May all your memories bring you peace and comfort at this very difficult time. I am so happy that she was able to be at Hannah’s wedding. You are in mt thought and prayers. Love Cherie and Dick
Joan Carelli says
Bruce and family, Bev was such a gracious treasure. I pray your wonderful memories will help you through this difficult time.
Dee Chatriand says
Brenda, Greg, Bruce and families: I am so sorry to hear of Bev’s passing but now she is an angel in heaven! You all are in our thoughts and prayers and please let me know if I can do anything for you. Dee and Bruce
Brenda and Rich Day says
Bev was by far the best gift our move to Butte gave us. We are so grateful for her friendship and for bringing Bruce into our lives shortly after we met her. The four of us enjoyed so many fun road trips together. Bev definitely was one of the shining lights that can never dim because she touched so many with her compassion and enthusiasm.
Marilyn and Jim Krause says
So many great memories spent with Bev and Bruce at the Mother Lode Theater and out to dinner before the performance. Bev loved the music and would have danced in the aisles if there had been room. Her smile lit up the room and she was a great role model on how to live your life! What a treasure!
Sarah De Money says
Brenda and Family –
It is with a sad heart that we extend our condolences to you and your family. May warm memories of Bev continue to help with grieving.
Many comforting thoughts and prayers to you –
Sarah De Money and the Career Futures “Gang”
Terri Amberg says
Brenda, Greg, Hannah and Jake,
Thinking of you during this very hard time. Bev was always smiling and singing and now she can dance again too. Hold on to the best memories and know others are thinking of you. My prayers and thoughts go out to you all.
Terri and Gary Amberg
Diana Beem says
Bev Sloan impacted my life greatly. She shared her growing of herbs with faculty. As a result I started growing herbs and now care for two herb gardens, as a volunteer, in the community. Bev was a gift to so many. I’m grateful for her.
Karen Miller says
Bev was a bundle of energy and always wanted to help everyone. I worked with Bev in Winterset as a library associate and she was such a special person. We hated losing her when she moved to Butte, but knew she would get to enjoy her family there.
Shelly Allison says
It was an honor to know Bev! Bruce and family I wish you peace and may the remarkable memories of a life well spent always bring you comfort! You all are forever in my heart!
Jennifer Shea says
My deepest sympathy to all of Beverly’s family. Beverly was a beautiful person and always so very kind. May her memory be eternal with the Lord!