Beatrice Mason, centenarian, died on July 5, 2018, in Atlanta, Georgia. She was born on September 17, 1917, in Poplar, Montana, to Gertrude and Abe Boller.
If ever there was a person with good old Montana blood in her veins, it was Bea. She loved the Big Sky Country like no other. She grew up on a rural homestead northeast of Poplar, where the material comforts of today were rare, but she lived a good life in a loving, extended family. After graduating from Poplar High School in 1935, she moved to Great Falls and attended business school. Her first job came shortly afterwards, working for the United States Construction Company in Billings. At age 100 she still enjoyed recounting her carefree days in Billings.
Bea met Harry Mason just before World War II broke out. She and Harry were married and promptly moved to Portland, Oregon, where he worked as a welder in the shipyards. Their lives changed forever with a call from Bea’s parents, encouraging them to come home to Eastern Montana and help out on the farm. Bea’s eyes would light up and she would chuckle as she told the story about Harry’s excitement in moving to Montana. They started with a simple tar-paper shack, taken from the WPA project to build Fort Peck Dam, plus a small herd of horses and a few cows, and some dryland acres of land. By the time they retired from farming in the late 1970s, they had built one of the largest wheat farms in Roosevelt County.
Bea and Harry raised five children in the Poplar area: Dean, Donna Sue, Patty, Robin, and Kimberly. Bea also raised her grandson Barry, after Robin’s early passing. She was preceded in death by husband Harry, children Robin and Dean, and great grandson Christopher.
Bea’s generous spirit and love of family made her a mentor and example to all that she touched in her life. When anyone had a problem or needed support, they could count on Bea. She loved her family and friends and was always there to help in any way she could. She was a remarkable woman with strong Christian beliefs and values. She believed in living life to its fullest, actually spending the day before her death in the swimming pool and attending 4th of July festivities.
Her family, many grandchildren and great grandchildren and friends, would come from all over the United States every year to celebrate her birthday in Poplar or visit her at her California home during the winter season. She was loved and treasured beyond words. Her best friend, the little brown and white shih tzu, Scruffy, will miss his twice daily walks. To the end of her life, she believed in walking and fought hard to continue the practice, even when it became challenging with advancing age and blindness.
Service Schedule
Viewing
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday July 13, 2018
Assembly of God Church
Poplar, Montana 59255
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Saturday July 14, 2018
Assembly of God Church
Poplar, Montana 59255
Service Schedule
Viewing
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday July 13, 2018
Assembly of God Church
Poplar, Montana 59255
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Saturday July 14, 2018
Assembly of God Church
Poplar, Montana 59255
Gay & Brian Pennington says
I will miss my other mom so much. I love being part of her life. We had a lot of good times together. She was there for to when I needed a shoulder too cry on. We sat and just talk, we pray & just being us. She will always have a special place in my heart. Bea you always had a great smile on your face and I love the CD she gave too me. I will always listen too it when I am down. Just sit and think of the great things you, my mom and I did on the weekends. We always find time to just enjoy going to Williston , Glasgow, or Wolf Point, And also get to no her daughters and of course eating out. Plus she gave me permission to married Brian. But she had too meet him first. Bea you are our Angel in heaven & will be looking down on us. Bea’s family you have my deepest Sympathy & May God watch over you all. I love you all. Miss you Bea.
Laurel Boulds-Fisk says
Sincerest condolences to the family. May Bea rest in peace.
Bob &Terry McAnally says
Bea was always active, with a smile on her face. Our condolences to all her family and friends. She was a lovely lady!
Darlyn Grainger says
Condolences to the family. So sorry Kim
Cissy Eagleman says
Prayers of comfort for Bea’s family & friends.
My dear sweet lady, you are now in the arms of the Lord. You will be missed greatly. But for those that knew you, we have been blessed. That blessing continues in our hearts, for that is where you remain.
Al Bets His Medicine says
Condolences to the family. What an inspiration Bea was. I don’t why but I always remember this one time in church she did a special number in Sunday morning service. The song she sang was a hymn titled “He Grew The Tree He Knew Would Be the Old Rugged Cross. She sang that so perfectly. This had to be in the early eighties 1982/83.
It was a long journey but she made it home.
Jim Patch says
⛩ Rest In Peace gentle lady.
Trudy Fox says
Another star lights the heavens! So sorry to hear of Bea’s passing – she was a one of a kind, that’s for sure. My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Jim Crabtree says
Great memories with and of Bea. I will cherish the time and lunches we shared in Desert Hot Springs.
Alisann Poutinen says
What a lovely tribute to an amazing woman. She has left a wonderful legacy to her family and friends. God bless you all.
Dani Lee McGowan says
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful person. My sympathy to the family.
Gwen Frerich says
Bea was a dear lady. Rest in peace dear one.
Gwen Frerich says
Beatrice was such a great lady. Rest in peace dear one.
Donna McDonald says
My thoughts are with you Kim & Dave. I think Bea is the only person I have met that had 100 birthdays. I did not get to know her well, but at least met her while she was visiting you in Ivins a few years ago. You made her years very special, there was a lot of coming & going between the winter & summer homes. Reading about her life was interesting, especially since I know Eastern Montana quite well. Almost lived in Glasgow myself but escaped just in time & ended in Billings. E. Mt. a very harsh place in the winter. It takes a tough person to endure that life. Especially in the very early years without the present day comforts we have now. Bea was one tough lady for sure.
Peace to you all. Donna McDonald
Bettie Szymanski-Rowe says
I would like to to express my condolences to the family of Bea Mason. She was a great lady, and she will be greatly missed. May God bless you during this time of your loss. Bea may you rip.
Sandy Donovan Doll says
I remember when Bea & Harry & family would come to Billings to my grandparents – Dora & Clarence Madsen’s house. Sorry for your loss what a great life she lived and the things she experienced in her lifetime.
Suzanne Nocella says
Sincere sympathy is sent to Sue, Patty, Kim, and Barry and to the entire family. Bea has a special place in our hearts and always will. She was my mother’s fourth “sister.” She is very much loved by all of the Nocella Family. We miss her.
Jeanne Dowd says
I knew Bea only through the funny and heartwarming stories Kim has shared with me. From these stories I learned what a spirited and adventurous person she was. I’m sorry to never have met her, but know she will live on through Kim’s loving tales. Love to a wonderful family.
Cindy Alpert says
When I moved from Poplar 8 years ago Bea was out walking her beloved dog. She hugged me good bye and her words of wisdom to me were; to make new friends but don’t forget the old, some are silver and others are gold. Bea was certainly one of the golden ones.
LaRene Park says
What a blessing God gave the family and friends of this wonderful woman. Her presence and life of so many years touched all those around her. She truly made the best of all those years and lead by her example. She shared her love, generosity and kindness for all. I send my prayers to the family, that the Lord will comfort them through this time.
Rex Boller says
Bea was a special person and one of a kind….she loved the Lord and the Bible. She was a half sister to my father, John Boller who passed away at 96…strong genes in that family. My parents enjoyed Bea and Harry and especially when they visited Flathead Lake, and lately just Bea. We were blessed to have lunch with Bea and Kim last February in Desert Hot Springs where my parents wintered for some time there like Bea.
Blessing to the Family and Bea is in a much better place.
Karen Nelson says
Condolences to the family. I sure will miss this wonderful lady and her spunky spirit! Thank you for teaching me how to strive to be 100 years old.
Jerome Taflan says
Jerome Taflan for Taflan Family
We will miss you as you always walked you dog through out the community of poplar<you will be dearly missed,condolences to the mason Family.
Patti Opp says
I just loved Bea and Scruffy. For years, we would see her walking Scruffy inside and many times outside Wagner Park. She would come for about 5 months every year during the cold winters in Montana to the warm winters in Desert Hot Springs. It was a real treat to honor her birthday before she left the Park. Many of the residents called her friend. She was a blessing to many, including me, the Park Manager! RIP great lady of God.