Beverly E. Sego

Beverley Sego, 74, was born on February 5, 1934, in Eugene, Oregon. Her father was a logger and the family moved to various places in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho to follow his work. When she reached the 11th grade and her family moved again, she stayed behind in Okanogan, Washington to finish high school. May 30th 1953, the day after her graduation, she and her husband, Fred, were married in Okanogan. They made their home in and around Bremerton, Washington, where their four children were born and raised. She also cared for several grandchildren for some of their growing up years. While caring for her children, she attended Olympic College in Bremerton. When their children were still quite small, much of their family recreation was backpacking and fishing in the Olympic mountains of western Washington. One of her many legacies was her children's love of the outdoors and the mountains. When Fred took a job in the Philippines during the Vietnam War, she packed up her children and their belongings and followed him there. In her four years there, she learned to golf and bowl. She became a champion golfer and set course records at several courses after returning home, winning club championships along the way. She also became an excellent bowler and played on scratch (no handicap) leagues. After her husband's retirement in 1989, they moved to their present home in Polson, Montana. There they spent many years enjoying the many activities Western Montana has to offer. She continued golfing, hiking, skiing, stream fishing, and camping in remote forest locations. Excelling athletically came naturally to Beverley. In high school she played basketball, averaging 20 points a game. In school and after marriage, she played on baseball and softball teams. Her throwing and arm strength earned her the reputation of being the county rolling pin throwing and arm wrestling champion. She learned to downhill ski after her children were in their teens, acquiring the nickname 'animal' for her speedy trips down the slopes. In spite of her athletic prowess, she always maintained her femininity. She was exposed to music from infancy, as her parents were both musicians. Placed under the bandstand as a baby, when she started walking, she started dancing. Dancing and singing were to become a big part of her life. Eventually she sang with dance bands and taught ballroom dancing. Many of her dance students in Western Montana, of whom there were hundreds, spoke of being blessed by her ability and personality. Her beautiful alto voice was endeared by all who heard her. For several of their retirement years, she and Fred danced in stage presentations. In addition to being a dedicated homemaker, she worked in school administration, retail sales, as a Cable TV Office Administrator, and as a Golf Professional Assistant. She is preceded in death by her parents Cecil and Pearl Slater, sisters Dorothy Langley and Dona, and brother William Slater. Surviving her are daughters Ramona (Douglas) Wagner of Missoula and Lorelei (Cass) Eslick of Polson, sons Fred Jr. (Angela) Sego of Poulsbo, Washington and Steven (Shari) Sego of Polson, and brother Robert (Georgena) Greer of Oak Ridge, Oregon. Also in her care for some of their growing-up years were four of her 12 grandchildren: John Grochala of Jacksonville Florida and Dustin Grochala of Nashua New Hampshire, Kjersti Day and Ashley Stube, both of Missoula. She is also survived by 8.9 great grandchildren. Beverley passed away peacefully on January 18, 2009, at Community Medical Center, Missoula, Montana, with her loving family at her side. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 A.M. Saturday, January 24th, at the Polson First United Methodist Church, 301 16th Ave. E. A reception at the church will follow. Cremation has taken place, and graveside services will be at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer's Association, Montana Chapter, P.O. Box 96011, Washington DC, 20090-6011. Condolences to family at www.groganfuneralhome.com
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