Beverly (Wertz) McGarrahJune 12, 1929 – Jan. 27, 2018

Beverly (Wertz) McGarrah, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, died peacefully on Jan. 27, 2018, at her son’s home in Richland, WA.

Beverly (Wertz) McGarrah

Beverly (Wertz) McGarrah, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, died peacefully on Jan. 27, 2018, at her son’s home in Richland, WA. She was born in Elma, WA on June 12, 1929, to Bernard and Vera (McCollum) Wertz. Beverly attended grade school in Elma and the family moved to Montesano in 1940 where she graduated with the class of 1947.

Beverly married Herbert McGarrah on Jan. 29, 1949. She is survived by son: Jeff McGarrah (Carolyn) of Richland, WA; daughter Susan Leslie (Robert) of Montesano; seven grandchildren (two of which she raised for 11 years), and eight great-grandchildren. Her oldest son Gregory died in 1993.

Beverly worked as the office manager for Weaver and McGarrah Construction from their residence doing payroll, billing, taxes, etc., however she felt her most important job was being a homemaker to her family. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their summer home on Lost Lake, always welcoming her children’s and grandchildren’s friends. She was called “Grandma” by many of these extra children who stayed over, many long after the summer home was sold.

Her family would like to give special thanks to the many close friends and neighbors, and especially Dr. Juliette Erickson, who took such good care of their mother during her final days.

“Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow;

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain;

I am the gentle autumn’s rain.

When you waken in the morning’s hush,

I am the soft star that shines at night.

I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there; I did not die.