Elizabeth “Beth” Annabelle Palke, age 90, of Miles City passed away on December 31, 2023. Elizabeth was born March 16, 1933, in a sod house in Powder River County. Her parents were Gladys and Otha Carter. She had three older siblings: Phyllis, Charles, and Allen. She grew up in rural southeastern Montana and had a typical country childhood for that time.
She attended the Irion School until high school when they moved to Miles City where she attended high school while her mother worked in the hospital kitchen and her father worked on the old hospital which has since been replaced. They would go back to the family farm for summers.
Elizabeth graduated from the Miles City high school in 1950. After high school she married Lance Crabtree. A daughter Susan Rae was born from this marriage. Elizabeth divorced in 1954. In 1956 she married Airman Robert J Palke who was stationed at the old radar base. This union lasted until his death in 2004 and produced Dale, Neal, and Miles. As part of his deployments, she raised her family in Okinawa, England, Washington state, and finally Minnesota. In 1970 the family moved back to Miles City for the last time.
Elizabeth found a home and many friends at the United Methodist Church. She enjoyed family and was familiar with relatives close and far. She was very active in church, arts and craftwork and family. She had a special interest in ceramics and had her own kiln. She spent her last years at the Holy Rosary Residential living where she renewed old friendships and made many new ones.
Elizbeth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings and their spouses, and grandson Austen. She is survived by children Susan (Robert) Wright, Dale (Dawn) Palke, Neal (Alma) Palke, and Miles (Julie) Palke, grandchildren Jason Wright, Sarah Heady, Aaron Palke, Charles Palke, James Palke, Justin Palke, and Nikki Palke, along with numerous great grandchildren, cousins, nephews and nieces.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday January 10, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Thursday January 11, 2024
First United Methodist Church
24 North 11th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following Funeral Service
Thursday January 11, 2024
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
259 Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Follow the Interment
Thursday January 11, 2024
VFW
119 N 6th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday January 10, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Thursday January 11, 2024
First United Methodist Church
24 North 11th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following Funeral Service
Thursday January 11, 2024
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
259 Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Follow the Interment
Thursday January 11, 2024
VFW
119 N 6th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Denise Harvey says
What a nice lady! My mom and dad really enjoyed her.
She was always kind to me and my family also. Prayers for peace and cherished memories
Denise Oberlander Harvey
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Sending prayers to the Palke family, may your memories fill the hole in your hearts.
Ken and Joyce Holmlund says
Sending prayers to the Palke family! They were our neighbors when we lived on Williams Street! Very nice people! God Bless!
Lisa Blunt says
I am heartbroken about Beth’s passing. I will miss our times together and her wicked sense of humor. Hugs and prayers to the Palke family.
John Munsell says
Beth attended our Friday morning bible studies at Holy Rosary Residential Living, and was a hoot to visit with. We will miss her.
Jane Raymond says
She was such a sweet lady. I will miss her very much. She was one of my favorite residents to visit during my shift when I worked at Holy Rosary. ❤️
Valerie Stone Thome says
Valerie Stone Thome and Brian Thome
We are so sorry to hear that Beth passed away. She was a very sweet lady, a good friend to us and my mom and dad. We always enjoyed visiting with her when we were in Miles City. She will be very much missed. Our sincere condolences to Beth’s family.
Glennda Wolf says
Beth was always so sweet to us. She beautifully altered several prom dresses for the girls. May she peacefully rest.
Diona says
Dale & Neil,
So sorry to hear about your mom. She was such a good friend to my mom. Hope she is in a better place.
Diona Warn Austill
Jackie Stroh says
Rest in peace Dear Sweet Beth! condolences to the family!
Shirley lund says
Beth was a gentle soul with a sharp wit. She was a valued & loved member of our congregation & women’s groups. She will be missed. Peace & blessings for her family.
Bankey Wanda says
I got to know her from Degree of Honor. Very nice and fun lady. So sorry for your loss.
Jeanie Sorensen says
Beth was a wonderful person. My parents thought the world of her. Sending up prayers for her family
Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich says
So very sorry to hear of Beth’s passing. She was a wonderful woman and raised a fine family. Her dad and my grandmother were brother and sister. There are not many of those cousins left. Rest in peace Beth.
Alma Palke says
I will admire generosity ang kindness.Although you are gone,I see you everyday in my husband in our children… I’m grateful to GOd that I had you as a mother in law.I’m so lucky to have met your Son and had the chance to meet you and join your family.. I’ll be missing you a lot Mom…. I love you forever.
Beth Riggs says
I will really miss Beth P. We always chuckled greeting each other as I am Beth R. She always had a spunky sense of humor and kept us laughing at the Methodist church. Love her and look forward to seeing her again in Heaven.
Audrey Haumschild says
Beth you will be so missed 😢 you were a sweet wonderful lady . But you will be blessing to heaven. Love you Always.
Marie Reinoehl says
Susan, my love and prayers to you and your entire family. It was such a blessing to meet and know her. She will be remembered for her caring heart and her spunkiness. She was a delight. God Bless you all. Marie Reinoehl
Candace newby says
My prayers are for the family I have know Beth seens I was a little kid she was a great lady
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Dale and family you are in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult times ahead. Beth was an individual who always brought joy and happiness to all who were fortunate to be in her company. Beth God Bless you in heaven. I’m so sorry to see you leave us. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barbara A. Thorwegen says
Blessings for Beth, her memories are forever! Special in your heart and always in daily thoughts. Keep smiling and keep moving like her pace was in life – you and your family has benefit from her strength and endurance. Prayers for the healing period, cannot fill the void of your family but know you have family and friends.
Hugs and warmest thoughts,
Barbara A. Thorwegen