Beatrice M. (Bep) Schwend passed away May 29, 2021. Bep was born Nov 17, 1931, the daughter of Benjamin and Hermina (Jacobs) Siemsen in Billings Montana.
In 1948, Jack and Bep were chosen King and Queen of the Jim Bridger Day rodeo. She attended schools in the Bridger area, and graduated from Bridger in 1950. In 1950, Bep represented the Bridger School as “Miss Bridger” at the dedication of the new swimming pool in Laurel, MT. There she was chosen “Sweetheart” for the event.
Bep married Jack Schwend on July 20, 1951 and worked for the New York Life Insurance Company in Billlings, MT, while Jack served in Korea. They moved back to the family ranch in Bridger after Jack’s discharge from the Army.
In 1960 they bought a place near Rosebud and lived and ranched in that area the rest of her life. In the 60’s, Bep worked for Holly Sugar Co every fall as weigh master in Rosebud, MT. Bep painted all her life, and the country is filled with painted sawblades, frying pans, Montana Back Scratchers and anything else she could find to paint on. Later in life, she wanted to be called Bea. So, on the back of her paintings, she put a sticker with Bea Schwend and her address. The only people she could get to call her Bea were her grandchildren (Gramma Bea).
Bep is survived by her husband Jack (of almost 70 years), son Justin (Cassandra) Schwend of Rosebud and grandsons Brock (Amanda) Schwend of Belle Fourche, SD and Skyler (Leanna) Schwend of Forsyth, son Brian (Beverly) Schwend of Forsyth and grandson Jeremy (Meghan) Schwend of Athens, GA and granddaughter Nicole Schwend (and fiance’ Rico Stormer) of Forsyth and Billings, and numerous nieces, nephews and great grandchildren.
She was preceeded in death, by her parents, her sisters Alvina (John) Skorupa of Bridger, and Igerna (Paul) Messer of Billings, brothers Duane Siemsen (who was killed in Italy during WWII), Norwood (Kathleen) Siemsen of Billings and Conrad (Delores) Siemsen also of Billings.
Services to be held at a later date.
Diane M Welbes says
So sorry for your loss–she was a likeable lady–you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Darlene Pestreich says
So sorry for your loss. Bep was a wonderful person and gifted artist.
Diana Robinette says
Sending my Condolences to you Justin n Brian and your families.
Sandi Kohones says
I enjoyed getting to know Bep. She was so talented and such a lovely person to visit with! She will be missed by many!
Susan M Stabelfeldt says
Justin and Brian
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs
Susan
Harriet Sleàford Jansen & Veryl says
Justin, Brian and families. Was saddened to here of the passing of my dear friend Bep. Have a few of the things she painted that I cherish. She will be missed by many. Sending prayers.
Scott and Voni Tally says
Justin and Brian you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. Have many fond memories of Bep,may her soul rest in peace
Carolyn Hays says
the family of Bep. The world has lost a wonderful lady! We were friends when I lived in Forsyth 25 years ago and we both did art work. She was a lot better than I was for sure. Such a kind and gentle person. She was so full of life and such an outgoing person. I’m sure you will all miss her a lot. Keep her memories alive and cherish them frequently.
Wayne &Lane Buck says
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Your Mom was a great lady. Enjoyed her on so many levels.
Kay and Rocky Berdahl says
Jack, Justin, Brian and families,
Thoughts and prayers for you at this difficult time. May your memories ease your pain and loss.
Connie Brown says
To the Schwend Family,
I so enjoyed our Art Group with Bep, gained a friend through it. She was such a neat lady. You are always just a memory away from her.
Lin koerper says
Thinking of all of you at this time. Bep was a very special lady and really enjoyed our visits. Remembering your family in prayer.
Brett & Jean Tally says
We enjoyed Jack and Bep visits so much when they would stop at the shop. They are some of the nicest people ever. They were so thoughtful. God bless her soul
Linda Seleg Wyse says
Jack, Justin, Brian and family; so sorry to hear about Bep, she will be missed by many cherish the memories
Jack and Kris Crocker and family says
The Schwend Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bep was a wonderful and talented person. She will be dearly missed.
Jack and Kris
Carolee, Bob, Tate, Connor Luhman
Kinsee, Sim, Kyleah Jackson
Flint Fleming says
Jack, Justin , Brian and family, thoughts and prayers to all, Bep was so nice , God Bless her and all the family!
Carol Plympton says
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you in this time of loss. Bep will always be remembered by friends and family. Love and hugs to all of you.❤
Curt and Cathy says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. I hope your memories with bring you healing and laughter. Always remember the good times. Bep will always be remembered as a gifted artist and a nice
lady.
David Lloyd says
Always enjoyed our visits with Bep and Jack. Good friends and neighbors of the folks.
R.I.P.
Dave and Donna Lloyd
Alandra Hill says
I always enjoyed my visits with Bep and Jack when they would stop in at Scott’s. Prayers for the family.
Bob Moerkerke says
Justin, Brian and families. Thoughts and prayers for you all at this difficult time. You sure have a lot of memories to remember your Mom by. Warmest regards. Bob & Joy
Pam Beardsley says
Jack, Brian, Justin and family,
I am very sorry to hear of Bep’s passing. She was such a treasure. I have a lot of wonderful memories of Jack, Bep and my parents back in the day. She had such a kind heart, smile, along with a kind word for anyone who came her way. She will be missed very much. I have many paintings that Bep did hanging throughout my home and when I look at them it brings back such great memories. May God strengthen you and hold you close today and in the days to come.
Bill and Rita FitzGerald says
What a heart warming sight when Jack and Bep would come in the restaurant and sit and chat over a plate of French fries. A love like that is rare. Such a tribute to her having children and grandchildren of the quality you have all turned out to be. A great lady has joined the Lord and we will see her again!
Mollie Phipps says
I have a few of bep things she painted most prized is my cake carrier from my gramma that she commissioned for me. One particularly funny memory I had was from when I was working selling seed and they said stop and use the bathroom any time it was hard for a girl to find a spot (after I had told her I had used the bathroom at the Hathaway bar) so I pull in and jack says go on in, but neglected to tell me bep was home and painting we came around the corner at the same time and had quite a laugh!! May her family find comfort in the memories and she Rest In Peace.
Cindy Lebie says
Schwend family I’m so sorry for your loss. Bep was a great lady.
Valerie Anderson says
I am so saddened to hear of Bep’s passing. We had such fun painting and going to so many bazaars all over the area, far and near. She has been a loyal friend for many years, like a cherished sister. I will miss her, am happy to have had her in my life, lots of good memories. I so enjoyed coffee chats with both her and Jack. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your loss. God bless you and give you His peace.
Lynn Holland says
Jack,Justin, Brian,
Sorry to hear about Bep. Bep and Jack were great neighbors at Carterville when I was living there.
They treated me like one of the family. She was a great artist. She will be missed but not forgotten.
Lots of good memories. Lynn Holland.
Jale says
I’m trying to reach out to the family. I bought a painted jaw bone at a garage sale and wanted to know if the family would be interested in having it.