In the beginning a child enters the world in the arms of the mother, soothed by her voice, encouraged by love. And in the end a mother leaves the world in the arms of the child, calmed by her presence, and released without anguish. And so it was for Beverly Lucille Fortin, age 79, who passed away October 30, 2017 at Holy Rosary Extended Care in Miles City, her oldest daughter, at her side. A quiet passing, a gentle release.
She was born September 14, 1938 to Gabriel and Josephine (Kirkpatrick) Sweet in Terry Montana. She was raised on the family ranch at Shirley Flats. Bev was a “daddy’s girl”, sassy, adventurous, and independent. When she graduated from Terry High School in 1956, she decided to go out and see the world beyond rural Montana. Defying the tradition of the 50’s era, she took off into the wild blue yonder and joined the US Women’s Air Force as a medical service specialist apprentice.
It was during basic training that Bev met her future husband, Bill Fortin. The couple married and soon were blessed with three daughters. As a military family, they traveled extensively, living in Japan, England and many state side bases. It was in Japan that Bev studied art and developed her natural talent of painting and clothing design. Bev became an excellent seamstress, with a style and flair that rivaled anything in vogue. She leaves a legacy of her art in her paintings and in the photographs of her chic attire, a confident and beautiful young woman.
In Sacramento, California, Bev began a long career with the state of California Department of Revenue. Bev bought a boat, spending many happy hours fishing along the Sacramento River and socializing with her friends. Bev studied gardening and became a master gardener. She carried her love and passion of gardening with her when she returned to her beloved Montana in 2000. “You can take the girl out of Montana, but you can’t take Montana out of the girl.” Bev bought a home in Miles City, and became an active member of the Miles City Gardening Club. Her yard was a little piece of heaven abundant in flowers and a showcase of greenery. But the greatest joy of returning to Montana was being with her grand and great grand kids, she loved them very much and they gave her the joy only children can.
Beverly is survived by her daughters, Cindy Scanlan, Kimberly (Larry) Lamotte, and Melody (James) Brun; grandchildren, Joshua Scanlan, Chelsea (Mike) Rogers, TJ Scanlan, Jessica Craigie, and David Craigie. She was great grandmother to Kaleb, Tallan, Kaley, Logan, and Addison. She is also survived by her siblings, Ann Thomason, Butch Sweet, Babe (Hal) Smith and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11, 2017, 2-4 pm at Stevenson’s Funeral Home. Following cremation, a memorial marker will be placed at the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery, Miles City, Montana.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday November 11, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday November 11, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Sandy Rabe says
Cindy, Ric and I are so sorry about your mother. We hope you can find comfort in your memories. Love you.
Walt Marolf says
Cindy,
Judy and I were sad to hear you lost your mother. Please know we are very sorry for your loss.
Susan Cranford says
So sorry to hear of Bev’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Sue Cranford
Lynn Anderson says
Cindy,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Shawna Mcbride says
My Dear Cindy & Family. Prayers for you and your family to ease the pain of loosing your Mom. I have many fond memories of her and will cherish them always.
Jerry Kimball says
You were such an amazing caregiver for your mom! Your family is so lucky to have had you here with her. I know you will miss her but you must have some comfort knowing that with all the time you spent with her there was nothing left unsaid. My thought and prayers are with you and your family.
Iva kirkpatrick says
Your family are in our thoughts and Prayers! She has a beautiful garden to care for from this day on..So sorry! Gary and Iva Kirkpatrick
Lisa Cain says
Thoughts and prayers to you Cindy and your family.
Samantha Perkins says
I feel blessed getting to know Bev over the last year. Shared many laughs and she had a great infectious laugh. Wish I could’ve said goodbye, but she finally got her wish. Many thoughts to the family.
Karen says
Bev was beautiful. I remember very clearly the times we visited at your place west of Terry. Fond memories. All of her family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May she rest at peace. Karen Kirkpatrick Ahlgren
Sacramenta Landrum says
To the family and friends of Beverly please accept my deepest condolences. In God’s word the Bible is a wonderful promise for the loved ones we have lost in death it will give you hope and comfort during this difficult time John 5:28,29 and Revelation 21:3,4.
Mary Notbohm says
Cindy, We so enjoyed your mother when she and my mother were roommates in Swing Bed. She lightened our days with her humor. May you know that you are in our thoughts at this time. Cherish the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
B&P Certain says
Cindy, So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Sounds like she was a lovely lady.
Sincerely, Peggy & Brian