Beverly Jane White

Memorial service for Beverly White will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday January 24, 2018 at Journey Church in Gillette, WY with Pastor Dave Caldwell officiating. In loving memory of Beverly J. White, 71, who passed away with her family by her side on Monday, January 15, 2018 of pancreatic cancer. Born on April 13, 1946 in Thermopolis, WY to Robert R. and Iva Deane (Rose) Varah Bateman, she was the second of five children. Beverly spent her carefree childhood days in Shoshoni, WY, graduating in 1964. She worked in her family owned grocery store and loved taking care of her younger siblings. In high school, she met Randy, who became the love of her life and her best friend. They met at the Wyoming State Fair. They were married on June 27, 1965. Three wonderful children blessed their 52 year marriage, Doug, Dale and Pamela. Beverly graduated from Casper College and the University of Wyoming with a B.A. in education. She began her teaching career in Gillette in 1976 during the boom years. Beverly retired in 2004 after spending 27 years at Lakeview Elementary teaching hundreds of kindergartners. Some of her best days in her life were spent in the classroom experiencing the wonder of learning with 5-6 years olds. She often shared the story of one of her students expressing the joy of learning to read as a “miracle.” Those were fun and challenging years, as she strongly believed in developmentally appropriate education. There was so much learning through play, music, and movement. The day was not complete until everyone sang. She will be remembered for her kind, nurturing personality. She loved her students and they loved her back. After Beverly retired, she enjoyed the time spent teaching third and fourth grade students at the Pioneer School at Rockpile Museum. Beverly was an outdoor girl. She experienced peace of mind in her yard, at Keyhole, in the Big Horns and Black Hills. Every weekend you would find her at one of these places with her family at her side. She enjoyed backpacking the high mountain trails, fishing in lakes and streams, hunting, and raising beautiful flowers in her flower beds. She also designed, planted and maintained the flower bed in front of Heritage Center for over 10 years. Beverly enjoyed her friends and activities. She met many wonderful, caring ladies in Red Hats, her book club, investment club, bunko, Wyoming Early Childhood Association and Wyoming State Quilt Guild. She held offices in both of the state organizations. You would find her in her sewing room creating quilts and doll clothes for the American Girl. She made many young girls happy as they dressed their dolls in the latest fashions. Randy and Beverly believed in working and playing as a family unit. They developed a love and respect for the environment in their children. She loved her family dearly and was always ready to help out in any way she could. A favorite family vacation was fishing in Canada. After their children left home, Randy and Beverly would celebrate “big” wedding anniversaries with their good friends, Stan and Louella.  Shortly before her diagnosis of cancer, the White’s adopted a wonderful dog from their son, Dale. Reggie became Beverly’s constant companion. He followed her everywhere. He greeted all of Beverly’s visitors and made them feel welcome. During her chemo treatment she would look forward to the days when she felt well enough to go to the family cabin in the Black Hills. Life was good at the cabin.  In Pam and her unborn child died in a single car accident. A light went out in Beverly’s life. She missed her terribly and is now with her. Left to cherish her memories are her husband, Randy; sons, Douglas and Dale; and grandson, Connor White; sisters, Linda (Bob) Unangst of Casper, WY and Vicki (Brian) Sprague of Riverton, WY; brothers, Tom (Hilde) Varah of Sandy, UT and Steve (Jane) Varah of Sheridan, WY; nieces and nephews as well as all her friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, beloved daughter and daughter-in-law, Rita White. I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of thy house and the place where dwelleth thy glory. Psalm 26. Memorials and condolences may be made in Beverly’s name to Close to Home Hospice or the Rockpile Museum. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com