Beverly Joy (Watts) Johannsen

Beverly Joy Watts Johannsen, born on September 2, 1933 in Spokane, Washington was the only child of Christina Rutgers Watts and Percy Claude Watts.  She passed away April 22, 2013 of complications of cancer. She was 79 years old.

Funeral services will be held at the Sunburst United Methodist Church at 11:00am Friday, April 26, 2013.

She loved Spokane where she was raised and was Salutatorian of John Rogers High School. As a school girl, she became lifelong friends with Lyla Mae (Johannsen) Henderson.  It was Lyla Mae who introduced Beverly to her cousin, Jay Johannsen. They were married on June 7, 1952 and the Spokane city girl embraced her new home as a farm wife outside of Sunburst, MT with the love of her life.

Beverly showed unconditional love for her four children, Tracy, Jay Dean, Paul, and Kristi.  Her children’s love for each other is a testament to her dedication to her family.

Active in her community, she volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, member of the United Methodist Church, Daughters of the Nile, and the Eastern Star. On Wednesday afternoons, you could find Beverly working for the Marias Medical Center Auxiliary in the gift shop.

Bev and Jay traveled the corners of the world, often with their dear friends, Pattie and Paul Coolidge. They saw Europe, China, Thailand, Japan, Panama, Mexico, Russia, and the Caribbean.  They celebrated their 50 ^th anniversary with a Mediterranean cruise.

They were very fortunate to enjoy nearly thirty years as snowbirds in Mesa, Arizona where they made many great friends.

Beverly loved her Sunburst Birthday Club, a group of ladies who found a monthly excuse for lunch or cake.

Some of Bev’s happiest times were family get together large and small where she was known for her delicious pies.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 61 years, Jay; her children Tracy (Marcia), Jay Dean(Robin), Paul(Teddi), and Kristi(Scott); grandchildren Bennett, Amelia, Jace, Zach, Jordan, Cassi, Justine(Patrick), Mandi, and Greg.

The family suggests memorials be directed to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children at Shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.