Beverley Jean Cunningham (Bev) was born in Carbondale, Illinois, to Charles R. and Berniece L. (Merritt) Cunningham on November 14, 1943. She spent her grade school years with her family in Helena, Montana, where she attended Broadwater School. After school and weekends, she helped her grandmother, Emeline Merritt, who owned a personal care home facility. Bev always enjoyed working with the elderly.
The family moved to Miles City in 1956. She attended Lincoln Elementary (6th grade), Washington Junior High, and Custer County High School, where she met the love of her life, Ron Askin. They were married in 1962 and were blessed with five children. Throughout her marriage, Bev worked alongside her husband in the family water well drilling business as bookkeeper and office manager.
Bev was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and acted as Worthy Matron in 1976-1977. Her father, Chuck Cunningham, worked with her as Worthy Patron.
Bev had a lifelong love of learning and education, which lead her to serve on the Miles City Unified School Board in the early 1970’s.
At the age of 43, Bev enrolled in the nursing program at Miles Community College, graduating with an Associate Degree in 1989. Shortly after, she enrolled in the baccalaureate program at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, graduating in 1992. She continued her education earning a Master’s in Nursing Degree in 1994.
During her nursing career, Bev worked for the Veteran’s Administration as a staff nurse, infection control nurse, education and training coordinator, and Associate Chief Nurse for Education.
Her parents came to live with Bev and Ron when her mother developed terminal cancer. This was Bev’s first experience with Hospice. While working with the care providers, she developed a deep respect and admiration for this program. She later worked for Holy Rosary Healthcare as the Case Management Nurse for the Medicaid Waiver Team, Hospice Manager, and Director of Senior Services.
Bev is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ron and their children, Douglas (Tami) Askin of Miles City, Kathleen (Mark) Netland of Katy, Texas, and Ronald C. (Celeste) Askin of Charlotte, North Carolina, her sisters Carolyn Angel of Belgrade, Montana, and Jean (Kevin) Fisher of Ocean Park, Washington, her brother Chuck (Janet) Cunningham of Canyon Creek, Montana, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
Bev will also be forever remembered by her numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Bev was preceded in death by her parents, sister Jacqueline Cunningham, daughter Colleen Askin, and son Daniel Patrick Askin.
Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Bev to Holy Rosary Healthcare Hospice and Palliative Care, Miles City Soup Kitchen, or to the charity of their choice.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 6, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday February 8, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 6, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday February 8, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
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Mike & Myrna Higgins says
deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you all
martha crandall says
U put up a great fight. RIP. My sympathy.
Burl Mulkey says
Sorry for your loss
Troy and Dolly says
Sending all our love and prayers to the Askin family. Bev left a beautiful legacy in her amazing family. Her beautiful smile will be greatly missed, and we are forever grateful for our memories with your family!
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Prayers to Bev’s family. She always had that beautiful smile and time to say hello whenever I saw her.
Cindy & Dale Berg says
Our hearts go out to all of you at this very sad time. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We know how much you will miss her. Hold your memories close.
Love and Prayers,
Cindy, Dale and family
Mike Ferguson says
75 years of life.Aunt Bev made memories in a lot of people’s lives .I am sorry to here of her passing.
Holly Orr says
She lives in my heart such a great lady. Hugs and prayers to all the family.
Shelby says
Sending my thoughts and prayers to all of the Askin family during this difficult time… She was an amazing lady and she will be greatly missed… So blessed to have so many memories with your family…
Love and Hugs,
Shelby Loomis
JAMES L. ARNESON says
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your wife, a mother, grandma and great grandmother. May the memories of this lifetime comfort your family now and always. May God bless you in this time of sorrow.
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Thoughts and prayers go to the family of Beverley. Prayers that all the good memories will help in the days ahead. She will be missed by the many lives that she touched.
Shorty & Judy says
Praying that god will give each of the family members strength now and in the days to come Bev was a amazing women she was caring, loving and giving person RIP
Troy & Deborah Hauser says
So Sorry for your loss, thoughts & prayers for all the Askin family.
Peggy Thielen Vennes says
So sorry! What a beautiful lady. Bev will be missed by everyone! I have very fond memories of all your family. Hugs to all!💕
Kenneth Walker says
Doug & Family,
My deepest condolences for your loss, wishing you comfort and strength during this time.
With warm regards,
Kenny Walker
Phyllis Landa says
Ron and family , my thoughts and prayers are with you !!! So sorry for your loss!
Gary Worrall says
Beverley was a classmate in Miles City; my condolences to her family.
Gary Bartholomew says
Beverley was a wonderful classmate in high school. my condolences to her family.
Carol Fisher Wright says
So sorry to hear of my classmate/friend’s passing. Sending my condolences to all the family. Bev was beautiful inside and out and I loved her.
Jan Munroe says
I am so sorry to hear of Bev’s passing. I first met Bev when we served as Grand Pages together in 1976 in Great Falls. It was a pleasure to meet her the second time after our move to Miles City in 1978. She was a wonderful lady.
Garth Sleight says
Doug, Tami, and the entire Askin family: I just now saw this announcement in the newspaper and was stunned. I’m so sorry to learn of this sad news and express my most sincere condolences. Bev was such a delight to have as one of my awesome “non-trad” students at MCC. All my best at this difficult time of loss.
Cheryl Lesh Clark says
Askin Family,
May you find peace in your grief and loss. Cherish your memories…my sympathies.
Tom and Sheryl Killham says
We are sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed. Your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Linda Bird says
We are so sorry for your loss. May God Bless you all as you adjust to life without out her.
JUDY WOLFE says
Dear Ron and family, seems not that long ago we ran into each other at the Billings Clinic. My heart aches for you all. Please know you are in our thoughts. Judy (Sweeney) and Perry WOLFE
Casey & Cindy Phalen says
I’m so sorry to hear about Bev. What a wonderful lady. I really enjoyed working with her Thanks for the wonderful memories
Shannon & Bryan Holmen says
I enjoyed seeing her in the halls of HRH, SE always had a smile. I’ll remember her as a classy lady. Our prayers.
Shane says
Very Sorry Askin family God Bless !
Danny & Lynette O'Connor says
So sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers to all!
Sandi and Jim Updyke says
There are a few angels on earth and Bev was one of them. She helped so many with a smile and grace and always a kind heart. We may have lost her on this earth, but heaven gained a beautiful angel to watch over her family and friends. God bless her family at this most difficult time.
Ron and Marilyn Frize says
To the entire Askin family: We were so sorry to hear of Bev’s passing. Keep your many memories close to your heart. She will be with you always.
Joe and Sandra Konkright says
So sorry to hear of Bev’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill Nelson says
Ron and family, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. God be with you.
Jack Hadley says
Our deepest sympathy is extended to the Askin family.
Jack and Carolyn Hadley
Wayne and Wanda Holmlund says
Our sincere condolences to all of Bev’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Richard Cooper says
My thoughts and prayer are with you. She was a beautiful person.
Diane Welbes says
Ron & Family–so sorry for your loss–my thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Curt, Sue, Tyler & Cal Sampson says
To Doug, Tami and the entire Askin Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We pray Gods comfort over you all.
Curt, Sue, Tyler & Cal Sampson
Bridger Drilling
Linda and Richard says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Askin family. I first met Bev when she was a nursing student and I got to know her at the VA she always was so kind and sweet and always met you with a beautiful smile. Always loved her and her kindness.
Richard and I both have you all in our thoughts and prayers. May your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. May she rest in peace. Linda and RIchard Meidinger
Wanda Linnell Richlen says
Sorry for your loss.
Beverly Sieler Svejkovsky says
Ron and family so sorry for your loss. In my thoughts and prayers
Kim Stanton says
Dear Families,
We are saddened to read of the passing of Bev. It is our hope and prayer that all of you will find peace and healing and know you are never alone. May our loving Father envelop each of you in His love today.
Condolences and peace to you all,
Kim, Kyle, Kasey, and Christina Stanton
Audrey Haumschilld and Greg Blind says
So sorry to hear about Bev she was a great lady . Hugs and Prayers are with you all.
Lillian Loomis says
So very sorry to hear of Beverley passing. She was a classmate mine till I left to be married, She was such a sweet person and will be greatly missed.Hang onto all of those wonderful memories. Sending up prayers for all the family,
Kent & Maile Ewalt says
Doug and Family,
So sorry to hear about Bev’s passing. I will always remember her being mom to all of us growing up on the North Side of M.C. God Bless all of you.
Kent & Maile
Stephani Schumachero-Collins says
Doug, Kathy and family
Sending my condolences. Such a hard time for your family.
Prayers, Stephani Schumacher-Collins
Joe Veches says
My deepest sympathies for you all. Bev was an amazing woman that I’m blessed to say I got to know well. I will forever enjoy the memories of coffee with Ron and Bev and Doug. Bev- you will be missed.
My prayers to your family,
Joe & Jess Veches
Sharon Bixler Oftedal says
When I moved to Miles City to start high school, Bev (and her best friend Peggy Krokker) made a huge impression on me. They were friendly, classy, and very welcoming to someone who knew only a handful of people. Bev maintained that classiness her entire life, and Miles City is worse off for having lost her. My sympathy goes to her family.
Cindia Ellis says
Condolences
Mike & Patsy Davis says
Ron and family,
Our sincere condolences to all of you. So sorry for your loss. Bev was a very special lady and a pillar of our community. A life well-lived, lives on and on in the hearts of many!
Mike & Patsy Davis says
Our sincere condolences to you, Ron and family, in your loss of a very special lady and a pillar of the community. A life well-lived, lives on and on in the hearts of so many.
John and Candy Laney says
Ron and Family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Holy Rosary Healthcare & Foundation says
We are so very sorry for your loss, but so appreciative and in awe for what Bev did for this community. Even just the impact at Holy Rosary and to our patients is immeasurable.
Kent Roberts says
So sorry, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Maureen Larson says
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Askin family.
Harriet Jansen says
Ron and family. Sorry for your loss. Sending prayers. The Robert Sleaford family is thinking of you
Rich Labbe says
Ron, Doug, and the Askin family, my condolences for the loss of a very impactful woman. God Bless.