Evelyn Akey Beauchene, 81

Evelyn Akey Beauchene passed peacefully on Dec. 8, 2013, in Nevada, Iowa. Evelyn was born in Whitefish July 30, 1932, and lived most of her life in the Flathead Valley, but most recently in Nevada.

Evelyn was married to Robert R. Beauchene, and together they had five children. Evelyn spent her adult life helping others. First, nurturing and raising five successful children, Bob (Karen), Susan (Randy) Ruby, Tim, David (Jill), and Mark (Adele). She was blessed with 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Evelyn continued nurturing others later in life as an activity therapist at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. There she worked with the elderly, planning activities and events such as taking a van of residents to the Northwest Montana Fair and Glacier National Park.  

Evelyn retired and lived in Montana, Arizona and Iowa. In Montana, Evelyn loved hiking with friends in Glacier Park, huckleberry and raspberry picking, and watching her grandchildren’s track meets and theatrical events.

Though her heart was always in Montana, she loved her time in Iowa as a foster grandparent at Central Elementary. She was “Grandma Evelyn” to a host of Nevada children, but most importantly to Madeline and Olivia. Grandma Evelyn spent her final years perfecting her apple pie recipe, attending flute recitals, baby-sitting, making rolls, residing at the Meadows and Stonehaven and making homemade candies at Christmastime.

In her final days of hospice, Evelyn received much joy from knowing her great-granddaughter Leona went home from the hospital healthy and well, listening to Olivia sing her harvest breakfast songs, talking with her grandchildren via iPhone, Skyping to see her newest grandchild Amity smile, eating popcorn and reminiscing over old movies such as “Singin’ in the Rain” with Maddie, and watching ISU basketball with her son Mark.

There will be a private family Mass, and Evelyn wished for her ashes to be buried in Montana next summer.

Memorials should be directed to Story County Long Term Care, Nevada, Iowa. Story County Long Term Care offered Evelyn a happy and well-cared-for home in her final days.  

Bacon Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements.