Beverly Martin Miller's Obituary
AN EARLY TRAVELER
Beverly was born in Tacoma on November 18, 1917 and spent much of her childhood on the road. Her father, Earl Peters, followed construction projects throughout the state of Washington and made a lasting contribution by building many of the roads and structures that define the area today. With his wife Elsie and their three daughters at his side, the family also traveled to Oregon to invest and work in a gold mine. Beverly developed strong bonds with her sisters Annalee and Marilyn; close friendships that would last their lifetimes.
CHARMINGLY POPULAR
Growing up during the Great Depression instilled values that defined most of Beverly’s generation: Beverly matured into a practical, generous, caring young lady. She was humble and reserved but, at the same time, vivacious and social. She chose to stay with her aunt in Tacoma once she entered Stadium High School and subsequently attended College at Puget Sound for three and a half years. Studying Psychology and Drama, she joined a Sorority and made many friends; most significantly one Robert Martin who wasted no time in making the lovely Beverly his wife.
PERFECT FOR RETAIL
Beverly started working in retail and found a perfect fit for her polite, social personality. Over the years, she sold women’s apparel for such companies as People’s Store, Lou Johnson’s and Bon Marche. She often wondered what her life would have been had she accepted an offer to become a clothing buyer with a fledgling retailer called Nordstrom’s. Nothing, however, could have made her prouder than bringing her two smart, beautiful, compassionate daughters into this world: Mary Lynn and Ann Lee. The family moved to Hood River, Oregon when the girls were very young and bought a grocery store. Bob and Beverly operated this country store for ten years, with Beverly filling the role of self-taught butcher. When Robert was 39, he suffered his first heart attack and Beverly faced the challenge of caring for him, running the store on her own, looking after the two girls and managing their home behind the store. This was a woman of fortitude.
THE FAMILY “KINKEEPER”
They sold the store in 1962 and moved to Portland, where Robert worked with Kino’s and Beverly managed an entire department for I Magnin. With her impeccable taste and flair for fashion, Beverly excelled in her work. Between this talent and her skill for sewing and alterations, she and her two daughters were always dressed in classic style. The mother-daughter bonds were based on a genuine friendship. Kinship was equally important to Beverly. Over the years, she became the family’s social coordinator; she was the glue that held many branches of the family together through marriages, divorces and her daughter’s move to Scotland.
FULL OF LIFE AND FULL OF LOVE
In 1970, the couple was set to enter a new chapter of retirement when Robert suffered a second serious heart attack and passed away. Beverly relied on her close family bonds, her faith and a strong network of friends to support her through. Some time after Robert passed away, Beverly ran into an old friend from college, Marc Miller, whose wife had also passed away. Marc decided to retire early as an accomplished banking executive and enjoy life with Beverly; that’s exactly what they did. For 40 glorious years of marriage, Marc and Beverly
savored the pleasures of life, playing golf and bridge with their friends and traveling in their motor home. They took every opportunity to relish seafood at The Lobster House and finish off meals with white wine and bourbon. She loved to work in the garden and to relax with a good book or a challenging crossword puzzle. Beverly was never one to complain or speak ill of others. During her final chapter living at the Hospice House, she tried to be upbeat and always cared about the safety and well being of those she loved. “Don’t Fall Down” was her common refrain, well practiced parting words that carried a much deeper meaning. Her many friends and close-knit family cared deeply when they learned of Beverly’s passing on May 25, 2012. She will be remembered as the lovely lady she was: full of life and full of love.
What’s your fondest memory of Beverly?
What’s a lesson you learned from Beverly?
Share a story where Beverly's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Beverly you’ll never forget.
How did Beverly make you smile?