Beverly Mills

Beverly Mills passed away peacefully on October 12, 2024, at the age of 88 in Logan, Utah, surrounded by her loving family. Born and raised in Great Falls, Montana, to Robert and Fern Holman, Beverly attended Great Falls High School (class of 1954) and later Brigham Young University, where she was a member of the Sponsor Core.

In 1956, she married her first husband, James "Pal" Mills, with whom they welcomed three sons: Mike (Amy), Scott, and Bob (Kim). Though their marriage ended in divorce, Beverly courageously embraced the challenge of raising her children on her own, creating a nurturing home filled with love, strong values, and the importance of family. One of her cherished traditions was teaching her boys the poem *"My Mother Says"*, a testament to the values she held dear:

“My mother says she doesn’t care about the color of my hair. Or if my eyes are blue or brown or if my nose turns up or down. It really doesn’t matter.

My mother says she doesn’t care if I’m dark or if I’m fair or if I’m thin or if I’m fat, she doesn’t fret about things like that. It really doesn’t matter.

But if I cheat or tell a lie or do mean things to make folks cry, or if I’m rude or impolite and do not try to do what’ right, then that really does matter.

It isn’t looks that makes one great. It’s character that seals your fate. It’s what you are within your heart you see, that makes or mars your destiny. And that really does matter.”

Beverly's career spanned two decades as a teacher's assistant at the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, where she worked with preschool children. Her ability to connect with these young students was deeply personal—she had lost her hearing at the age of six due to scarlet fever. Through sign language and compassion, she touched the lives of many.

One of Beverly's favorite places was her family's cabin in Sheep Creek, where she created countless memories playing cribbage, horseshoes, and enjoying music with her brother Skip, who would often play the harmonica and guitar.

In 1996, Beverly married her long-time friend Richard Matsko, and together they shared over 30 happy years. They loved their home by the Sun River, where Dick tended a beautiful lawn and garden, and Beverly made their home a warm and welcoming space, especially during the holidays.

Beverly is survived by her three sons, her brother Skip, six grandchildren (Kyndal, Logan, Hailey, Gavin, Megan, and Maddy), and four great-grandchildren (Kira, Ryker, Brodie, and Noa). She is also remembered fondly by her step-sons, Mark, Don, and Curtis, along with many close friends who will carry her joyful legacy forward. Beverly was predeceased by her husband, Richard.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Montana School for the Deaf & Blind Foundation, honoring Beverly's dedication to the children she loved so much.