Beverly B. Miller, 63, a Fort Collins native and lifelong resident, passed away peacefully the evening of February 26, 2016 in the company of friends and family at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, CO. She endured a hard-fought battle with bile duct cancer throughout which her faith, courage and determination never wavered.
Beverly June Bondhus was born May 27, 1952, in the original building of Poudre Valley Hospital to Dorothy June (Putney) and John Merlin Bondhus. She was the second to the youngest, and the only girl, of the family's four children. Bev attended Putnam Elementary, the original Lincoln Jr. High and graduated from Poudre High School in 1970. She also attended Colorado Northwestern Community College in Rangely, CO from 1970 to 1971, and later, Colorado State University studying business and real estate.
Beverly married Dale L. Miller April 1, 1978. Before their children were born, Bev was employed at Teledyne Water Pic in the international warranty department and at Home Federal Savings and Loan as a secretary. During these years, she was active in both bowling and softball leagues. After starting her family, Beverly transitioned to a full time homemaker, raising their children and being heavily involved in both their education and extracurricular activities. Bev and Dale traveled frequently for business and pleasure; both before children and later as a family. They had fun learning to ski and scuba dive together. Bev liked outdoor adventure and hiked and camped with her family as they grew. She enjoyed relaxing with friends at numerous hot springs throughout the mountain west. Bev also traveled with Dale and friends to annual antique/classic aircraft fly-ins around the country over the years. She particularly relished what came to be known to her family as "Little Bev's Big Adventure", a week-long reunion with close school friends on Mackinak Island. One of Beverly's most recent learning experiences was completing a firearms safety and shooting class resulting in her earning her CCW permit.
As her children matured, she accepted a position as an administrative assistant for the Board of Larimer County Commissioners, a job she held for more than 20 years. In many ways, Beverly became the face of the Board – a face that people in the community came to know and trust. In addition, she partnered with Gail Bondhus, her sister-in-law, to found and successfully operate Pinnacle Property Management for the last two decades.
Bev was dedicated to her family, both immediate and extended. She was best known for her kindness, thoughtfulness and friendliness. Her disposition was infinitely sweet, her attitude eternally positive, both of which were exhibited in her memorable smile and infectious laugh. Bev was always ready with a kind word or a thoughtful gesture. She was generous, compassionate and empathetic toward others. Since she knew so many people and had so many friends, Bev was active in organizing reunions and enjoyed planning get-togethers. Beverly also loved to craft, and, had an infamous sweet tooth. Family and friends could always count on Bev to suggest indulging in "a little something sweet."
Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Thomas Bondhus and David Bondhus and mother-in-law, Frances Miller. She is survived by her husband, Dale; daughter, Kevin Miller (Nate Spotts); son, Garrett Miller (Tirrel); granddaughter, Esme Spotts; brother John Bondhus (Gail); father-in-law, Jack Miller; aunt, Sharon Fangmeier Reinhardt (Fred); nieces, Summer Legendre (J.) and Vanessa Nook (Brendan); great nephew Grant Legendre; great niece Lucca Legendre and her special friends for 35 years: "The Baby Luncheon Group".
Beverly's family wishes to extend a most special Thank You to all of her caregivers within the University of Colorado hospital system (Anschutz, MCR and PVH campuses) and most especially to Douglas Kemme, MD; Mark Teruel, MD; Ross McFarland, MD; Eric Hess, MD; Thomas Bak, MD; Brian Brauer, MD; Michael Weyant, MD; Ernesto Salcedo, MD; Madappa Kundanda, MD (Banner-MD Anderson, Phoenix); the Harmony Cancer Center Infusion Nurses; and the PVH Oncology Nurses.
Cremation is planned. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, March 4, 2016 at Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524. Private family interment will be at Resthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery. Donations may be made in Beverly's name to the Food Bank for Larimer County in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.