Beth Joy Winter, 92, passed away peacefully early on the morning of 3 November 2024 in Silverdale, Washington. Proudly born of Irish and Swedish heritage in Hershel, Saskatchewan (Canada) Beth Joy Winter lived up to her middle name Joy her whole life. A daughter to William and Hilda Tate, she was born on 18 May 1932 and soon grew into the cheeky and ‘rebellious’ youngest daughter of a preacher that we all love.
Beth was the second eldest of four children, with an older sister Rachel and two younger brothers Ben and Tim. Growing up, she was a lover of ice skating, a brilliant runner and a skilled marble player (once even being forced to return her large marble winnings after she got a little too good at the game). Beth was also a prolific singer from a young age. At age 4 she was the mascot for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, singing on the shoulders of the officers. Singing was a large part of her life and something she continued right up until the night she passed.
When Beth was 16 she moved from the Canadian prairie to the bustling American city of Chick-a-ko (Chicago) where she later trained as a nurse at Swedish Covenant Hospital. Nursing was perhaps the perfect profession, she had a talent for connecting with people and an endless sense of compassion and understanding for others. While there, she captured the heart of her husband Dr Malcolm Winter and they were later married by her father Reverend Tate in Downers Grove Chicago, on November 4 1953.
Beth and her husband Mal raised four children (Malcolm, Scott, Bruce and Susan) and their nephew Paul Kitamura (for his high school years) in their home in Miles City, Montana. At age 50, she went back to school and got her Bachelor of Science and worked as a nurse at the Holy Rosary Hospital in the neonatal department. An active member of the First Baptist Church, she held her faith close to her heart and lived her life in line with her values and beliefs. Beth was deeply involved in the church’s youth programs and she used her unique way of creating a safe and welcoming space to guide people from all walks of life that came through her door.
Beth’s love of adventure led her to many corners of the world and through most of the mountains in Montana on the many backpacking trips she took with her family and friends. Those of us lucky enough to have had a ‘come to Jesus’ talk on the trails up in the mountains have her to thank for reaching many a summit (in the mountains and throughout life). She loved birds, flowers and meeting new people and she always had a story to tell (even if it had some small Irish embellishments).
A fierce woman, keeper of the peace and bright light of love in all of our lives, she was one of a kind and loved by many. Beth is survived by her brothers Ben Tate and Tim Tate, her children Dr Malcolm Winter of Silverdale WA, Scott Winter of Miles City MT, Bruce Winter of Birmingham AL, Susan Page of NSW Australia; 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren.
There will be a celebration of life gathering at the First Baptist Church in Miles City on 3 May 2025. For those traveling from out of town, the family has reserved some rooms at the FairBridge Inn and Suites. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Chapter K of PEO (donations can be made to Peggy Stanley, 23 Balsam Drive, Miles City, MT 59301); the First Baptist Church at 900 Palmer St., Miles City, MT 59301; or a youth organization of your choice in honor of Beth.
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Denise Oberlander Harvey says
What a marvelous loving woman! She left us all better people! Thank you!
Dale and Ann Tribby says
What a wonderful lady. Beth and her husband treated Ann and I like family. Beth was a gem and what a beautiful person. RIP dearest Beth.
Vikki Bradley says
Beth was such a wonderful person and wonderful mother, grandmother. She will be missed by all who new her. RIP sweet lady.
marie root says
beth’s egalitarian acceptance, support, and big love came to me at just the right time in my young life, and stayed with me thereafter. beth bolstered my sense of self and self worth. spending time with beth was a highlight of my home trips. hot tub, hot tea, meaningful conversation amongst her greenery in a miles city winter. her open laugh lives on in my spirit. miles city was so fortunate to have such a community member as beth. she was an across-the-board mensch. my condolences to all of beth’s heart family. let’s think of beth figure skating on perfect ice, arms outstretched, laughing big. peace out, dear beth. marie root
Garth Sleight says
We were privileged to be Beth and Mal’s next-door neighbor our first two years in Miles City. She was always such a lovely and friendly person. Our sympathies and best wishes to all of Beth’s family as they remember and celebrate the life of a grand woman.
Mollie Phipp says
I was just thinking of Beth last night, I have one of the paintings from her sale in my kitchen, and I was hoping she was well…. In the arms of Jesus is well. Blessings to all of you her grieve her loss.
Paul & LynneRae Hazelton says
Beth was very interested in law enforcement and was on the Police Officers Standard And Training Board for the Governor. When I was with the Montana Highway Patrol she did a couple “ride alongs” with me so she be more informed with how law enforcement officers worked. She was always enjoyable to be around and I enjoyed our visits. Beth was always an energetic participant at The Wellness Center. Our sympathies to her family.
Janice (Lopez) Primozich says
Several years ago on a visit to my hometown of Miles City I saw Beth in a coffee shop. I took that opportunity to let her know that a conversation I had with her while I was in high school had left a permanent positive impact on my life. I would guess that I am just one of many who can attest to the blessings of having known Beth.
Deb Singleton says
What a legacy of love, celebration and faith! Beth will be dearly missed by so many. She was a bright light in my life and I’ll always hold her dear. Condolences and love to the entire family and community of friends.
June Opp says
To all of Beth’s family, I was so sad to hear about Beth passing away, she was a very special friend and travel companion of ours for many years. Our boys and and all the Winter gang grew up together in Miles City all of their school years.May God bless and comfort you all as you remember the good times.
June Opp
Allison Campbell says
She was an amazing woman with a huge heart
Voni & Scott Tally says
Beth was a dear sweet lady! She will be missed!!!
Kathy R Bowman says
So many memories of Beth and Malcolm as our youth leaders in high school…Beth was adventurous beyond all measures. Heaven has gained a wonderful lady!
Karen Morris says
The years have gone so swiftly past. Seems like only yesterday our families were active in the church together. So many memories. Beth was a shining example for all of us and we were blessed to have her in our lives. May you find comfort in your memories.
Tracy Axelberg says
We all seem to have had the same experience with this wonderful, one-of-a-kind woman. In my youth, Beth and Malcolm’s house was the place to be for fun gatherings, if you were in trouble, or if you needed advice. Always available – very generous and loving people. Thanks for my fond memories of both of you.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Linda Hodgson says
Always enjoyed visiting with Beth. She was a special lady. Sympathy to the family. RIP Beth
Tanya (Parker) Leidholt says
She was such a fun lady, and always had a story. I grew up a few houses away from her and Dr Winter. She was always so kind. She will be missed by many. Prayers to the family.
Val and Larry Edwards says
We are so sorry to hear of Beth’s passing. She will be missed by so many people. I remember going to her house for many church functions for young adults. Rest in peace Beth
Shannon Holmen says
Such sad news. She was such a bright spot in my mothers circle of friends and Mal was to Larry. They were both such community people. We were all so lucky to have had strong leaders in our families. Fly high Beth and kiss Mal for us.
Sandy & Bob Short says
Beth was a unique lady. We enjoyed her humor, liveliness, and Irish stories. She was so good with the teens and was very appreciated at First Baptist. It was a loss when she moved to WA so that we could no longer visit her, but we know that she needed Malcolm’s care. We also miss Mal. They were so different, yet so good together. Susan, you widened their world by moving to Australia. Scott, you were a great support living with her so many years. Bruce, we would enjoy seeing you and your sibs if we make it to the service. Snow is predicted soon though. Blessings to all of your families.
Kim Smarsh says
Beth was the most delightful person, always warm and welcoming. She touched so many lives. My prayers are with her family.
Steve Garrett says
Beth and Mal helped more people in the MC areas than people can possibly imagine. Beth was a smart classy lady that one could always ask for advice and she was always willing to share her opinion even if it might not be what you may be thinking it would be. I first met them when I went to school at MCC. I was 600 miles from home and alone and they took me under their wing and made me feel like part of their family. They became life long friends to Debbie and I . A smart/wise man once told me “ in life you make many acquaintance’s but very few true friends”. Beth you and Mal were true friends and we thank you and your family for allowing us into your lives. One classy lady that always put others first.
Lynn Rae Ziebarth says
Wonder full Lady will be very much missed. Always happy with a beautiful smile
Billie Goggin says
Whenever I think of the people who have had a profound, lasting, positive impact on my life, Beth comes immediately to mind. Such a woman of faith, joy and light! She will be deeply missed by those of us who were blessed to know her.
Herm and Diane Venable says
Hard to believe she is gone. She was so much a part of our family there in Miles City. Many dinners together with she and Mal. Loved watching the boys and Susan grow up with our girls not too far behind. Cross country skiing and warming up at the cave. So many memories of both of them at First Baptist. Mal invited me into the Gideons and it changed my life . We, along with so many others will miss Beth so much but will see her soon on the other side of the Jordan- she was a great woman.
Randi Madsen says
Oh what a wonderful and sweet lady Beth was! I so enjoyed our conversations when she would come to the bank. She was always so full of life and lit up any room she entered. Sending her family my deepest condolences.
Wanda Linnell Richlen says
I remember Beth coming into my hospital room back in 1983 comforting because I was about to be sent to Denver to have my daughter who was going to be 3 1/2 months early. Then calling almost everyday while in Denver to see how I was. She was a one in a million.
BERNADETTE MILLER says
I remember Beth when I was a little girl. Beth was friends with my Mom and I got to spend time at her house once in awhile. I was pretty little but I remember lots of plants and I think she had some birds in her house. I got to know her later in life too and she was always wanting to visit. Prayers to the family during this time of loss.
Casey & Cindy Phalen says
Beth.
What a wonderful lady. I was blessed to work with Beth for many years. She told me a story when she was working in Chicago in an Irion Lung Ward. It could be very challenging when they had power outages. Running around pulling the handles on the Irion lungs to keep patient alive until the power came back on. She was such a blessing.
Susan and the rest of the family you are in our prayers. Keep her memories close this will get you through.
Joe Berg says
Beth loved life, and was present in that special way that gives others permission to shine.
Such a gift to the youth of Mikes City, and an enduring inspiration to me. Grateful and sad.
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
What a beautiful amazing woman. She will be missed.
Holly and all her girls says
Beth was amazing and with each daughter that I had she always looked at me with the biggest kindest eyes and the warmest heart said listen little one you always have this you always have you always will it doesn’t matter if you have $100 or a million daughters you you have this you own this you are the best at what you could be and remember love yourself and love your children just the way I loved you I will always miss you Beth you always gave me a kind sense of heart and the Keen sense of wondering I got this always have always will thank you to all the skies above and the heavens above and the stars in the skies tonight I will always miss you
Tom and lillian Ostendorf says
Beth was a warm and sweet individual, whom I enjoyed immensely. She will be missed and remembered fondly. Our condolences.