Beverly Jean Espelin, 76
Former Great Falls native, Beverly Jean Espelin, 76, died after a prolonged illness caused by mercury poisoning on July 12, 2007, at Brendan House Hospice Care in Kalispell.
Loved and missed by all, Bev never met a stranger she didn't like. Bev's smile and gentle sensitivity has been missed these years as she slowly slipped away from her loved ones. Even the last few days of her life, she managed to offer up a smile and a short laugh.
Survivors include her husband, Tom Price; her children, Dawn Schandelson and Arnold, Henry 'Ted' T. Espelin III and Roberta, and Nancy Espelin; grandchildren, Scott Schandelson and Shannon, Brett Schandelson, Bryan Brennan, Kellie Brennan, Tony Guida and Carrie, Nick Guida and Jennifer; and great-grandchildren, Alex Schandelson and Aidan Schandelson.
Additionally, she is survived by Tom's children, Tom Delong and Annette, Willie Stevens and Tran, Barry Price and Cathy, TH Price and Amy, Florrie Benner, Gail Mee and Kelly; 28 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Claudia Higson and Phyllis Nelson
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Henry T. Espelin; her daughter, Heidi Espelin; and her brother, Nels Ballestad.
Beverly began life April 1, 1931, the daughter of Louise and Nils Ballestad. She was joined several years later by a brother, Nels.
After finishing school in Great Falls she married Gayle 'Jack' Collins and had a daughter, Dawn Marie. After divorcing in 1949, she married Henry T. Espelin, first moving to Bozeman to complete Henry's education at Montana State University, where she also attended classes; then moving to Forest Grove, Ore., where Henry attended Pacific University and she continued her own education. During this time Henry 'Ted' Espelin III was born.
After graduation, the family moved back to Great Falls where Ted started an optometric practice.
The family relocated to Columbia Falls in 1958 when Ted relocated his practice. They rented a house until Bev and Ted built their own home, the first of three for Bev. Daughters Nancy and Heidi were both born while the family was in Columbia Falls.
In 1969 the family returned Great Falls when Ted purchased a practice. Bev worked at Ted's office, volunteered on many civic and non-profit causes such as the Heart Association, American Cancer Society, auxiliary boards of the Salvation Army, American Optometric Association and other nonprofit causes. She also helped build their home at Woodland Estates on the Missouri River.
After the death of Ted in 1984, and her daughter Heidi in 1986, she moved to Eureka. In 1990, she married long time family friend, Tom Price, and built a house in the foothills.
Bev volunteered in several community projects in Eureka including Toys for Tots, The Pet and Doll Parade, Special Olympics, VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner. She sat on the board for District 5 for the developmentally disabled.
Her personal interests included golf and skiing, and she was an avid reader and bridge player.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 29, in the backroom of the VFW in Eureka.
Memorials may be sent to VFW Ladies Auxiliary, P.O. Box 1008, Eureka, MT 59917.