Beverly LaPalm, 91, went to be reunited in Heaven with the love of her life, her soul mate, her knight in shining armor, her beloved husband, Russell Arthur LaPalm, from whom she had been separated for 35 years. She chose to leave this life on the date of his 95th birthday, September 30, 2023.
Beverly Joan Crawford was born to Elwood Benton Crawford and Marjorie May Buchanan Crawford, their only child, on January 1, 1932, in Butte, Montana. She had a loving, happy childhood.
Beverly and Russell married on August 11, 1948 in Deer Lodge, Montana. Theirs was a faithful and loving union for nearly 40 years. Family was foremost in her life. She had great faith and prayed fervently for the welfare of her four children. She was affectionately known by her grandkids as Grandma Bee, Mar Mar, and Momo.
Beverly was an avid reader and writer. She declared she was born with a pen in her hand. She wrote memoirs, family history, and filled many journals. She spent the last several years gathering and reprinting photographs on the back of which she wrote family history and anecdotal stories. She spent many hours assembling photo albums to leave a legacy for her children and grandchildren.
Beverly had a profound love for animals, had many pets throughout her life, and was looking forward to meeting them at the Rainbow Bridge. She was a collector of what she called ” junque” and enjoyed being surrounded by pictures of family and friends and all her collections. She enjoyed making ceramics for many years gifting family and friends with her creations. She also enjoyed playing pinochle with neighborhood friends and other good friends and often visited lifelong friends in California. She didn’t pursue a career, but labored very diligently at various jobs, mostly providing some sort of service to others.
Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her grandson, wee bonnie Andrew LaPalm; her son-in-law, Edward Turner; and her best friend from childhood and the Petticoat Patrol, Myrtle Corder. She also had a close-knit group of friends who all went before her, whom she missed tremendously.
She is survived by all of her children, Michele Turner, Russell (Nancy) LaPalm, Stephen (Sandra) LaPalm, and Kimberly LaPalm (fiancé Chris Harris); her grandchildren, Jason Turner, Jolie Obioha, Mindy Bowman, Tracy Byrnes, Neil LaPalm, Stephanie Simas, Nicholas LaPalm, Brandon Scown and his wife Keisha, and Erinn Harris; as well as her “baby” sister-in-law, Rita Stetzner. Also surviving are 23 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Beverly lived a good life with good parents, a good husband, good kids, good friends, and good times. Her infectious smile, her laugh and her wit stayed with her until the very end. She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.
Cremation has taken place. Private family services are pending. If you wish to make a memorial donation in Beverly’s honor, please consider Best Friends Animal Society in Utah, Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter of Butte, or any animal rescue.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Beverly.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Beverly and her family.
.
Keisha Scown says
Mar, I have spent these last 23 years with you, you have filled a void in my life that was missing. Your stories, your wit, your laugh. The way you treated everyone like they were your own is something I will always remember and never forget. I will miss you greatly, but know that you are finally home with your love. It is your turn to have that dance. Rest easy my young lady. Love you always!
Mitch Evans says
Thoughts and prayers to Beverly’s family at this difficult time. Beverly was a wonderful person. Her smile, kindness and compassion for others will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Beverly. Dale Evans and family – Butte
Christina Boyer says
Thank you for your kind and loving memories, Beverly. My sincerest condolences go out to your family. Love and prayers, Gretchen Christina Larson Boyer