Beverly (Bev) L. Collins peacefully passed away early Tuesday morning, November 22 at Holy Rosary Healthcare Center in Miles City, Montana. Bev was born in Greely, Colorado on December 30, 1941 to Seacil Roberts and Mary Durland Roberts. In 1944, while serving in the Navy during World War Two, Seacil was killed in a battle in the South Pacific on the island of Los Negros. Shortly thereafter, her mother and Bev moved back to Billings (Mary’s home town), where Bev grew up and attended Billings schools and graduating in 1960 from Billings Senior High School. During her senior year at Billings Senior she painted a large mural in the cafeteria where it still is today. Bev could draw and paint nearly anything. She was extremely gifted.
After high school, Bev attended Rocky Mountain College in Billings for year and another year at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana where she worked on an Arts degree.. Bev was always a “Cats” fan. Bev then moved to Portland, Oregon where she gave birth to her first daughter, Lani. The two of them moved back to Billings. Bev than when to Southern California where she was trained in floral design and arranging. She moved back to Billings in hopes of having a job working for a local florist shop, but that didn’t work out. While raising her daughter as a single parent, Bev worked at Billings Deaconess Hospital in the Central Supply Department.
In the late 1960’s Bev and her daughter Lani, moved to Thermopolis, Wyoming where she worked at the Gottsche Rehabilitation Center as an Occupational Aide. While working and living in Thermopolis, Bev attended the Federated Community Church singing in the church choir where she met Jerry Collins. They were married in 1980. To this union, a daughter, Melissa was born. After a few years, Bev supported Jerry’s call into the ministry. The family then moved to Billings, Montana where Jerry attend Rock Mountain College. While Jerry went to school and worked at several part-time jobs, Bev wonderfully raised Melissa. The family then moved to the Kansas City, Missouri area where Jerry attended seminary and served a church.
Bev was a great supporter and partner in ministry with Jerry. Bev always enjoyed helping with Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was always an active participant in the various churches’ prayer chains. She definitely was a prayer warrior. Bev was also a “card” person. She loved receiving and sending greeting, birthday, and holiday cards to family, friends, and church members. She had such a gift writing special messages in each card. Everyone treasured receiving these cards.
Jerry and Bev’s ministry carried them to churches in Montana (Lavina), Missouri (Garden City), back to Montana (Belfry, Bridger, Fromberg), then to Idaho (Salmon and Lemhi), back to Montana (Harlowton, Judith Gap, Hobson, Moore) and finally to Miles City, Montana.
Bev had many illnesses and suffered chronic pain for most of her adult life. She was a three-time survivor of cancer. But all this never slowed her down until the very end. She was a trooper and a great inspiration. She was a very kind, compassionate, and loving person. She is truly missed.
Bev was preceded in death by her parents, and a step-father Jack and his wife Ruth and several aunts and uncles. She is survived by her husband, Jerry and both of her daughters, Lani and Melissa along with Melissa’s significant-other Tony Lopez. Bev is also survived by three wonderful grandchildren, Ella, Ryan and Luke who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her sister, Janie Hendricks and her husband, Charlie Hendricks, her brother, Scott Roberts, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Miles City, Montana on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Memorials can be given to the First United Methodist Church in Miles City 24 N 11th St Miles City, MT 59301 or to the Relay for Life.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Saturday June 10, 2023
First United Methodist
24 North 11th Street
Miles City, Montana 59101
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Saturday June 10, 2023
First United Methodist
24 North 11th Street
Miles City, Montana 59101
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Marlus Amsden says
God’s peace to you Jerry and family. Bev was a unique woman. Praying for Go
d to send you his Peace and comfort during this time.
Caroline Fleming says
Oh Jerry, I am so sorry. Both you and Bev have struggled through such a long illness. I hope you find comfort in the fact that she is at peace and resting in her beloved Savior’s arms. God bless you and your family, as well as all your friends who mourn with you at this difficult time.
Starla Gundlach says
Pastor Jerry, my prayers and thoughts will be with you in the days to come. May you find comfort and peace that only comes from above.
Dave Hodsdon says
May grace and peace be yours, in abundance, Jerry. My prayers for you and for the family.
Rebecca A Burt says
Bev, you will be missed. Love and prayers for the family.
Beth Riggs says
Dear Jerry and Family, Bev was a wonderful grand lady. I always loved being with her and sharing joy. May God’s peace and comfort be with you. Love always.
Jean Sorensen says
Bev was a kind and wonderful woman. She brought joy to so many people. I’m sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family
Beth Ann Johnson Wiedeman says
Jerry and family, I pray for your comfort during this time of grieving.
Jeana and Syra Brock says
We will always be thankful to you for our beautiful piano! Rest in peace. Sending love and comfort to you all.
Mick Gray says
Jerry, my heart aches for you and your family in these times of your bereavement. I am so sorry. Thank you for the good times of being your colleague in ministry in the Big Sky. I will be praying for comfort and peace. Mick Gray.
Sherry Stanhope says
Sorry for your loss Jerry, she was such a sweet lady and the church will miss her bright, sweet smile! Lost touch with you all since dad (Stan Clelland) got sick & moved to the VA home in Glendive. But know that I am thinking of you & the family & all are in my thoughts & Prayers.