Beverly “Bev” Gail Buckalew
On August 26, 2024, Bev passed away at home from a long battle with cancer with family and friends by her side. She was 74 years old.
Bev was born in the town of Mitchell, SD on May 9th, 1950. She was the third of four children born to Leona and Gerald Rapp.
Bev grew up on a farm and attended grade school in Fulton, SD and graduated High School from Alexandria, SD in 1968. She attended 2 years at Miltonvale Wesleyan College then received her K-12 degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. She moved to Forsyth, MT and taught at Cartersville School and soon met the love of her life, Stanly Buckalew. Stan and Bev married on November 3, 1973 in Mitchell, SD.
1975 brought Stan and Bev to Dillon, MT where she worked at a bank while Stan attended college. In November 1976 Bev gave birth to their first born, Clint, after an eventful car ride to join family for the Thanksgiving Holiday. June 1979 saw Bev give birth to their second born, Cindy, and soon after they moved back to Forsyth, MT. Bev started teaching 2nd grade at Forsyth Elementary where she taught for 30 years until she retired. She loved the kids in her class and they loved her. She taught alongside many teachers that have also been amazing friends.
Bev sold Mary Kay for several years and, after retirement, she stayed busy with crossword puzzles, reading, and her grandchildren (Logan, Elizabeth, Brodie, Lily, Lucas, Alena, and Esmae) whom she devoted all of her attention to when she could. She was the best Mimi they could have hoped for and she shared her love unconditionally. To say she was passionate in her love for her grandchildren does not do the word love justice.
Bev walked daily in Forsyth with her friends and her beloved Pomeranian, Yang Yang. She was very active with the Wesleyan Church for years, teaching CYC and leading singing every Sunday.
Bev had a horrible sense of direction and was great at getting turned around or lost whether she was with family or friends. She enjoyed riding motorcycles with Stan and driving around Forsyth on her little pink scooter.
Bev was a lifelong believer in Christ and we know the angels took her to a better place to watch over us. She is so precious to everyone who knows her and her sweet soul will always shine with her family and friends.
Bev was preceded in death by her father Gerald Rapp, mother Leona Iburg, stepfather Hank Iburg, and little brother LeRoy Rapp. She is survived by her husband Stan Buckalew; children Clint (Xiang) Buckalew of Billings, MT and Cindy (Dave) Tirrell of Belgrade, MT; her grandchildren Logan, Elizabeth, & Alena Buckalew and Brodie, Lilian, & Lucas Tirrell; her sisters Sharon (Larry) Kabris of Rapid City, SD and Linda (Bill) O’Donnell of Buffalo, WY; and her many sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews.
The viewing will be on Friday September 6 from 2:00-6:00 pm with family in attendance from 4:00-6:00. Services will be held at Stevenson & Sons, located at 245 Westwind Lane in Forsyth, on Saturday September 7 at 1:00pm. All are welcome to write Bev a private note that will be placed in one of her treasured purses that will be kept by her side. After the service, please join the family for a reception to help celebrate Bev’s remarkable life.
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday September 6, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday September 6, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday September 7, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday September 6, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday September 6, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday September 7, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Share
Michele Treible says
Stan,Clint and Cindy, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Beautiful Bev.She was a truly Beautiful Person. My heart goes out to you.May God give you Comfort and Strength. RIP Bev
Debbie Anderson says
Oh Stan, I am so very sorry. It has been a long time since I have seen you and Bev but I will always remember her with a kind heart. I am sad today but I know we will all see her again for all eternity. Prayers for you Stan and all of your family. Sister in Christ, Debbie
Joan Engle says
Bev brought light into the room when she entered.
She was such a lovely person.
Andrew Schulenberg says
Stan,,Chalys and I are sorry for Your loss of a very, very, Sweet Lady. Hugs and Prayers to You and Family and Yang Yang .
Anita Kurtz says
Stan,Clint, Cindy and precious grandchildren, My heart aches for you and it aches for me loosing a dear friend and co-worker. You wrote such a beautiful obituary of Bev. She was so proud of you all. Thank you Stan for your loving care of Bev. She loved you deeply and I know you returned that love. And we know she is in heaven watching over all. She will be remembered in my heart and many, many others. I love you all and send hugs and prayers🥰🥰🥰🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Love, Anita
Arlen & Barbie Kirkaldie says
Bev was a treasure and a blessing to visit with , She always had a beautiful smile and was an Awesome, Loving Teacher, Friend and Christian .Our prayers are with all her family and friends
Diana Robinette says
Bev was the kindest, soft hearted and beautiful Singer, sending our condolences to the family.
Esmae Cherry says
She was an amazing mimi she always lighted up my day I miss going to the dollar store and buying all the candy or building igloos in the driveway we will all miss her so much but now she can be reunited with her parents and brother, I will remember her when I look up in the sky and see the gorgeous sunset or when the stars are shining ill know it’s because of her🕊🫶 we will never forget you
Winter says
My condolences to Stan and the kids.
Bev was the most precious human that Jesus blessed us with. I was 16 when I was introduced to this beautiful human and I was able to share 28 years with her. When Clint and I got divorced she still loved me as her family and loved Esmae has if she was blood. Bev helped me through so much and believed in every thing myself and my kids did. She was always our biggest cheerleader. I can hear her now laughing and enjoying her family up in heaven.
Bev you are missed beyond belief, but something you left behind are the memories that we will cherish. Until we see each other again.
Jessica Matusik says
If I would have known the last time, would be the last time, I would have hugged her a little tighter, talked and laughed a little longer. Mrs. Buckalew was my 2nd grade teacher, but much more than that, her and Stan provided a safe, loving, nurturing home that I will never forget. Bev had the most beautiful laugh and I was blessed to hear it for my last time at the Forsyth Municipal pool. She was watching her grandkids play and swim and I imagine THAT was one of her many favorite things to do. Rest in Peace, Mrs. Buckalew. You will surely be missed on earth.
Tracee Raymond-Waples says
Oh no Stan & family, I am so so very sorry to hear this. Please know that I truly know how hard this is. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Bev was such a sweet lady. My condolences to all.
Brenda Cherry says
Stan, Clint, Cindy and all the grandkids What you wrote about Bev was So true. She did not have a bitter bone in her little body. She will be Greatly Miss. So sorry for your loss. May God be with each and everyone thru the good and bad days. Love to all. 🙏🙏🙏❤️. Brenda Cherry
Sheila Haselhuhn says
Bev always had a smile on her face! She brightened many a day while teaching. Her kindness and compassion was aware of her goodness. May you rest in Peace!❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Erica Bidwell says
Bev was one of the most genuine, kind and caring people I’ve ever met. I treasure my memories of her and feel so blessed to have worked and walked with her for years. She definitely made my life better. Love and miss you my friend.
Joby Parker says
Deepest sympathy to you Stan, Cindy, Clint and families. Bev was such a beautiful and kind person. Her laugh and exciting personality was infectious. She was loved and will be missed by all her colleagues at school. God bless Bev for all the little lives she touched in the classroom. She was such a precious gem of a person and will not be forgotten. Rest in peace Bev! XOXO
Mike and Lynn Blakesley says
Stan, Lynn and I are so sorry to hear about Bev’s passing. She was one of my very favorite people and it has always been a pleasure to see the two of you (well, three counting Yang Yang!) come into the store. I don’t think I ever saw her without a smile on her face or with anything but a sunny outlook. She was a wonderful lady. I know you’ll have a lot of great memories to treasure. You will be in Lynn’s and my prayers in the days ahead.
Bob Lamb says
I’m so sorry to see this. She use to walk in front of my house and say hi all the time. Her smile will be missed. I pray for strength for the family
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
So sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Bev will be miss , sending you all lots of hugs and love
jackie dassinger says
Such sad news — losing Bev. She was a charming person, and a delight to work with. I will always remember that beautiful smile she always had. My thoughts are for her family.
Dani Flores says
Sweet Mrs. Buckalew…
You were the first teacher that touched Bethany’s heart and inspired her to be who she is. She only missed one May Day in 25+ years since you taught her about it and she was always so excited to go above and beyond; every year; to do something that would make you smile and hopefully melt your heart. I appreciate you more than you know and I know Bethany does as well.
You will be greatly missed by so very many people.
Rest easy. 💙💙
Cathleen Fleming says
I will miss seeing Bev walking the dog. You and Bev are very special people and I am sure the family is feeling the loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you. May the Lord keep you in his hands.
Maretta & Tim Freshour says
Sending our love & prayers.
To know Bev was a Blessing . When we think of Bev we have to think of sunshine
Lin Cory Koerper says
I will always remember Bev’s beautiful smile and hugs each time we met. She led music at the Weslyan Church and did amazing job. She was always so caring and I so enjoyed our visits. It’s so hard to lose someone so special but I know and believe she is with Jesus and is resting in His arms. May the Lord Jesus give her family the peace that passes all understanding knowing she is with Christ and she is completely well. Amen!!
Kay Berdahl says
Stan and all of Bev’s family,
Our deepest condolences to you during this difficult time. Your memories will help in the days to come to lighten your loss.Bev was always happy and smiling. I will miss her and her little dog on their walk past our place.
Marsha Ash says
Stan and family, we are so sorry about Mrs. Bevs passing. If you guys need anything, please reach out.
Tracie Jones and the West Family says
Our deepest condolences for the loss of Bev…a very beloved part of Forsyth, whether through the school, as a teacher to many children and also part of a loving church family. She will be greatly missed by all. May she rest in peace.
Judy Mueller says
Stan (and all the family)…. Words fail to fully express what your ‘sweet Bev’ has been to me! 58 years ago we were in youth group together at Mitchell Wesleyan Church… we were roommates in college… and she was my Maid of Honor in my wedding! Time or distance never mattered for us! Bev was the very definition of “Best Friend” for me! I am so thankful that ONE DAY we WILL all again get to see her beautiful smile and hear her contagious laughter!! I dearly miss my best friend!!! ❤️. And Stan, my heart hurts for your loss of the love of your life!!🙏❣️
Judy Mueller says
Words fail to fully express what your ‘sweet Bev’ has been to me! 58 years ago we were in youth group together at Mitchell Wesleyan Church… we were roommates in college… and she was my Maid of Honor in my wedding! Time or distance never mattered for us! Bev was the very definition of “Best Friend” for me! I am so thankful that ONE DAY we WILL all again get to see her beautiful smile and hear her contagious laughter!! I dearly miss my best friend!!! ❤️. And Stan, my heart hurts for your loss of the love of your life!!🙏❣️
Brenda Potts says
Stan and family
So very sorry for your family loss
Condolences and prayers
Jeanne Jensen says
Dear Buckalew family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Bev will be dearly missed by all who knew her. I feel so very fortunate to have known her and called her a friend. She was a truly beautiful person inside and out. Love to you all.
Rocky and Carol Plympton says
Our hearts and prayers go out to you in this time of loss. May the Lord strengthen and uphold you and may your hearts be full of all the treasured memories you shared as a family. The angels rejoice as one of God’s Saints enter into eternal rest. Till we meet again. May your faith be strengthened in Christ.
Mariann Callen says
So sorry to hear of Bev’s passing. She was the most wonderful person, teacher to my children and neighbor for years. This saddens me. Prayers are with Stan and her family. What a wonderful lady 🙏🏻
Treib Ken says
Stan,Clint,Cindy and families I can’t imagine the pain you have right now to loose Bev. Her smile could light up a room and her caring heart will be missed by all who knew her. May God keep her in His arms until we meet her again. Prayers for the family and all the people who loved her. Rest easy Bev, we will see you soon.
Neal & Pam Shelton says
Bev was a sweetheart. She had the biggest smile and was always happy! Very Plesant to be around. We went on several rides with them always had a lot of fun! Even in the rain. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Lila Nansel says
I have such great memories of Bev. I’ll never forget her. ❤️