Beverly Marie Murray

Beverly Marie Murray, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2023 at her home in Sun City West, Arizona surrounded by her loving family. Beverly was born in Anaconda, Montana on August 4, 1932. She was the only child of William and Marie (Kasky) Pilon. She attended St. Paul’s Grade School, graduated from Anaconda High School in 1950 and attended Carroll College, Sisters of Charity Nursing. She graduated as a registered nurse in 1953. Beverly married James Murray on February 20, 1954 and he preceded her in death on December 19, 2016. She passed away on what would have been their 69th wedding anniversary. Her professional achievements were many, including co-founder of the first School of Practical Nursing in Anaconda in 1964. An advocate of lifetime learning Beverly returned to school and earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Western Montana College in 1981. This was prior to on-line learning and many nights were spent traveling between Butte and Dillon earning that degree. She reminded all of us about going to class whenever it was mentioned that learning could be done on-line. Beverly was employed at Montana State Hospital for 24 years and was the Director of Staff Development at her retirement. Not one for being idle, following her 1st retirement she became a consultant trainer for Jerry L. Williams Associates traveling throughout Montana and the country teaching the value of teamwork. Beverly finished her career as a staff nurse at Rivendell Psychiatric Hospital. Beverly had a zest for life and a commitment to volunteerism that earned her the nickname of “Tennessee” by her family members. She enjoyed being a bridge player and was a member of the Marie Jolley Duplicate Bridge Center. She was a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and was an advocate for healthy eating and exercise, volunteering for many years as a coach to help people with their weight loss journey. She could always be found working out at the YMCA and participated in the New Facility building project. Her love of sports focused on golf and was a member of the Highland View Golf Course and the Bonnie Highlanders. She was a volunteer for the Butte Literacy Program, the Butte Food Bank, St. Ann’s Funeral Committee, and the St. James Nurses Sisters of Charity Alumni Association. Upon leaving Butte to move to Arizona in 2018 she found that living in the desert suited her well. She loved being able to walk outdoors year-round and was walking up to 2 miles daily in December of 2022 with her walker. The residents of Corta Bella in Sun City always commented on how inspirational she was as she never missed a day and always picked up any refuse she saw along the way. Beverly was a shining example of a life well-lived, the type of person we should all aspire to be. She was kind, good natured, not too quick to judge, loved a good party with family or friends and was always willing to lend a hand. She was loved deeply, and her memory will forever be cherished by all who knew her. Survivors include her daughter, Karen Reynolds, sons and daughters-in-law, Gordon and Kathy Murray and Paul and Debra Murray. Grandchildren include Jason Reynolds, Xochil and Joseph Herrera, Ursula Quijano, JJ Quijano, Sean Murray, Kacey Murray, and Trent Murray. She also had five great-grandchildren: Eli, Noah, Ava, Elliana, and Wilder Charlotte. Additionally, Beverly is survived by her first cousins, John Karlock and Helen Congdon. She leaves behind her friend of eighty-five years, Florence Murphy, the last of “the gang”, as well as many friends in Montana and Arizona. Cremation has taken place in Arizona. There will be Celebration of Life for her many new friends in Arizona. A memorial service will be held in Butte later this summer, her favorite time of year in Montana. Memorials are requested to the Butte Food Bank.

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Beverly Marie Murray

August 4, 1932 - February 20, 2023