Beverly A. Chesnut Caldwell, 79

Beverly Caldwell, “Bev,” was born in Boise, Idaho, on Sept. 21, 1937, to Vivian Ardel Chesnut and Martin James Chesnut. She attended grade school in Boise and Caldwell, Idaho, and graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1955. She later attended North Idaho Junior College and the University of Idaho.

In 1957, she married a childhood sweetheart, John “Jack” Ruthven. They had three children, Christa, Cindy and Stephen “Steve.” Bev and Jack were later divorced.

Bev enjoyed being around children and was a secretary for the principal of Berney Elementary in Walla Walla, Wash., and for the principal of Ritzville High School. Earlier in life, Bev was an avid bowler and loved swimming until a medical condition removed these activities from her life.

In the early ’70s, she met Dean Caldwell, and they married on Oct. 17, 1974. Bev and Dean could always be found following the activities of their children or casting a line on a local lake. Later in life, they could be found listening to the DeSales Irish on the radio or occasionally attending the activities of their grandchildren.

Bev and Dean moved back to Walla Walla later in life to be closer to their children. During this time of their lives, they enjoyed getting away for road trips, especially those involving casinos such as Winnemucca. With family members by her side, Bev passed away on Jan. 11, 2017, at Odd Fellows in Walla Walla. Bev loved living in Odd Fellows as she considered the staff and residents part of her extended family. She was known to always have a smile for whomever she met and her laugh could be heard throughout the halls.

She is survived by her husband, Dean, at Odd Fellows; and by her family including children, Christa (Rick) Maiuri of Walla Walla, Cindy (Pat) McIntyre of Gresham, Ore., and Steve (Kathy) Ruthven of Walla Walla; several grandchildren, Nicholas (Crystal), Jeremy, Jennifer (Pat), Derek (Kristina), Elizabeth, Anna, Lauren and Leah; and three great-grandchildren, Taylor, Cameron and Keira. She is also survived by her sister, Sally Higbee (Tom) of Cataldo, Idaho; and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and by a nephew, Dan Higbee.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Odd Fellows for the excellent care and love given to our Mom. They would also like to thank Hospice for their support during the later stage of Mom’s life.

At her request, there will not be a service, but contributions may be made in her honor to the Blue Mountain Humane Society, the Odd Fellows Ice Cream Fund, or Hospice through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362.