Beverly Jean Skates

At age 85, Beverly Skates passed away from natural causes Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at the St. Luke's Extended Care facility in Ronan. Her son, Rick, and daughter, Debbie, were with her at the time of her death and entry to heaven.

Beverly was born in Billings on Jan. 28, 1931, to her parents, Harry and Katherine Hein. In Billings, she met the love of her life, William "Bill" Skates, and they were married in 1949. Bev was employed at Kasper's Photo in Billings for several years after she was first married. As partners in business, Bev and Bill owned a bar and restaurant in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, and later, in Fishtail. They managed an apartment complex in Billings and then moved to Whitefish to manage an apartment complex and retired approximately 10 years ago.

Beverly loved to dance with her husband and was very active in the Eagles Club in Billings. She enjoyed playing bingo, the horse races and gambling. She was a great cook and treated her family to German dishes passed down from her mother. The family favorites were homemade fried noodles and stewed tomatoes, Kasnip (baked noodle dough, sour cream and cottage cheese), and Grouse Noodle (cooked hamburger and onions wrapped and baked in homemade bread).

The joys of her life were her husband, children and grandchildren. She was there for all of us in times of laughter, sadness and joy. She always loved a good joke and teasing from her kids and grandkids. She prided herself in her appearance with monthly visits to the beauty shop and enjoyed the Polson night life of watching dancing and listening to her son-in-law, Doug Denton, while singing with his band.

She was of devout Catholic faith and was in union with our Lord Jesus Christ at the time of her death.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Charlene; her father, Harry; her mother, Katherine; her grandchild, Melissa; and her husband, Bill.

She is survived by her sons, Rick and Randy Skates; her daughters, Debbie Denton and Shelly Skates; her brother, Bill Hein; her grandchildren, Natalie Farley, Jeff and Jason Denton, Tiffani McConnelly, Aubrey Enderle and Kristie Maker; and her great-grandchildren, Teagann Farley, Whitney and Nicole Bugli, and Makayla, Olyvia and Addison Maker.

The family has arranged a celebration of her life and any donations may be made to the Ronan St. Luke's Extended Care Facility in Beverly's name. The family extends thanks to the staff of St. Luke's and Lake County Hospice, who extended wonderful care for Beverly in her last days.

Read Beverly Skates's Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.