Beverly Carr 91, of Spearfish, eagerly waited for "My Joe" to pick her up in the early morning of January 23, 2024, in his 1955 pink and black Ford so they could journey together with God.

Mom was born September 251932 in Moskee, Wyoming at the home of her parents, Lyle and Josephine Olsen. She joined her two brothers, Ron and Ted. The family moved to Nemo and shortly after they moved to Spearfish where they resided.

She spent her first 9 years like most children, but in November of 1941 she awoke with what was later recognized and diagnosed as polio. Mom spent weeks and months at home as her mother faithfully applied hot packs and exercises according to the Sister Kenny approach to treating polio. She eventually went away from her family home to Hot Springs, SD for treatment where she spent two years in rehab. Her days were spent in the pool playing with her dolls and other children. The water allowed movement of her limbs. After re-learning how to walk in rehab she returned to Spearfish to be with her family.

She attended the Normal Elementary School in Spearfish. Her brothers and cousins would pull her in a wagon or sled to school. She was forever grateful to her Aunt Atta, Uncle Jack Olsen and their children Theresa, Jaquie, and Edsel for taking her everywhere so she could live a normal life.

She graduated from Spearfish High School and received a teaching degree at Black Hills Teachers College. Her first job was in Riverton, Wyoming where she taught for two years and then 25 years in Spearfish.  She found that teaching children would be her love for a lifetime.

Mom had some fun during those years. She told many stories of Friday night drives back to Spearfish to catch the dances at the Park Pavilion. She bought a new car and could put the pedal to the medal with delight.   It wasn't long before she caught the eye of a tall "oil" man with an equally fast car! Many loved her story of meeting Joe, he dropping a nickel in the slot machine, and the rest was history. They were married in 1955 and were textbook examples of a successful, loving marriage. To this union they added three daughters, Jody, Martha, and Myrna.

Our Mom loved a good story or joke. Her quick wit and ability to laugh at herself were wonderful attributes. She navigated through life with beauty, grace, and determination.

Mom's deep faith and trust in God allowed her to be the generous, kind lady she was with her multitude of friends and family. She was proud to be a charter member of the Spearfish United Methodist Church in Spearfish, she was the oldest living member, joining in 1945. Over the years she sang in the choir, sang solos, participated in Bible Study, Sunday School, Bazaars, pancake breakfasts for the bikers, United Methodist Women. Mom's love was the Thursday quilter's day. These last few years she looked forward to riding the bus from the Care Center to the church for a morning of stitching, fellowship, and sharing.

Community involvement was important too. She was a member of the Spearfish Hospital Auxiliary, American Legion Post,  Antique Car Club, SEA, and Retired Teachers. In 1974 she received the SD Handicap Employee of the Year, 1975 Outstanding Teacher Recognition from Black Hills State University and in 1976 Business and Professional Women of the Year.  She used her excellent baking and cooking skills for bake sales. Neighbors and friends looked forward to her Christmas "goodie" plates.

Mom never let her physical issues interfere with what needed to be done. She always smiled and was grateful for the blessings she was given and the abilities she had. Mom had a zest for life, strong moral values, and a love for children and people that she demonstrated daily. She taught us so many lessons! Oh how we will miss her thoughtfulness, her understanding, her patience (she had to work on that), and her generosity. She filled our souls!

In 2013 both Bev and Joe moved into the David M. Dorsett Home, where she developed even more friendships with other residents, Mom knew everyone by name from staff to residents.

She is survived by her three daughters, Jody, Martha and Myrna nine grandchildren, Christopher (Michelle), Cassondra, Amanda, Kailee, Cody, Nicki (Chad), Brandi (Julian), Tessa and Joe and ten great-grandchildren, Andrew, Jonas, Nevaeh, Caiden, Paiten, Thane, Griffin, Teagan, Gavin and Makenzie.  She was preceded in death by her "My Joe", both parents, siblings and son-in-law, Steve Stinson.

Her daughters would like to thank the nurses, CNA's, and the many resident friends for the care and support she received over the decade she was at Spearfish Canyon Health Care, formerly  David M. Dorsett Home, many tears were shed at her passing.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 on June 14, 2024 at the United Methodist Church in Spearfish.  Burial for Joe and Bev will follow at 2:00 at Black Hills National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers a memorials have been established to the United Methodist Church and the Spearfish Veterans Monument.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com