Bea Williams
Bea Williams, age 83, of Missoula, Montana, died on Monday, February 18, 2019 at her home in Missoula.
Bea Michael was born on March 26, 1935 in Philip, South Dakota, to George and Emma Michael. She passed away at her home, February 18, 2019 surrounded by her daughters and granddaughters Renee and Michelle.
Bea blossomed into a strong, independent young woman. While attending Philip High School, Bea was outgoing and involved in many things including being a cheerleader and homecoming queen.
She married Dean Williams on February 21, 1955. After their marriage, Bea and Dean lived in Philip while Dean continued his association with Sammons Trucking. While living in Philip their family grew with the births of their three children. In 1972, the family moved to Missoula, Montana. In Missoula, Bea and Dean worked together nearly every day for forty years to grow their trucking business and raise their family.
In 1992, Dean passed away at the young age of 57. Bea faced some tough decisions in the coming years and decided to retire and start new adventures. She and many long-time friends traveled, attended Grizzly basketball games, went on cruises, and enjoyed life. Bea and her daughters made a three-week excursion to Europe to, among other things, watch her favorite performer, Daniel O’Donnell in his native Ireland.
In addition to travel, some of her favorite times were spent with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. No Friday was complete without having lunch with her Forever Friends, who loved, supported, and kept her active later in life.
Bea is survived by her son Mike Williams, daughters Sandra Williams (Dale Rieker) and Denise (Mike) Boehme; grandchildren Renee (David) Keeney, Michelle (Josh) Kloote, and Eric (Allison) Kelley; Brittany and Braxton Williams, great grandchildren Izabele, Marly, and Sophia Scolatti; Emma, Colton, and Claire Keeney; Jaxson, Justin, and Morgan Kloote; and Dean, Clay, Alexa, and Payton Kelley. Bea is also survived by her two brothers, Anderson (Janelle) Michael and Gene (Sheryl) Michael; and two sisters Delores Ebberts and Mary Lou (Chuck) Schimke. Additionally, Bea is survived by many beloved nephews and nieces.
Bea was preceded in death by her husband, Dean, and her grandson, Nick Scolatti.
A celebration of Bea's life is planned for June 1, 2019 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at The Keep, 102 Ben Hogan Dr., Missoula, Montana.
Bea’s family thanks Hospice of Missoula for all of their care and compassion for Bea. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Bea to Hospice of Missoula, 1900 S. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59801.
Arrangements are with Brothers Mortuary and Crematory in Hamilton, Montana, and Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
