Beverly Pendleton

Erma “Beverly” Pendleton passed peacefully into the next life in Centerville, Utah, on May 20, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. “Grandma Bev,” as her adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren called her, lived a full and valiant life until the age of 95.

She was born in Salt Lake City on August 2, 1927, to David Haslam Sr. and Erma Ruth Lees. On May 22, 1947, she married the love of her life and eternal companion, Alan Francis Pendleton in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together “Bev” and “Big Al”
raised a family of 4 boys in Bountiful, Utah. Richard, Brian, Robert and Scott absolutely treasured their sweet mother, as did her 7 grandchildren: Jeff, Bret, Ryan, Jeremy, Katie, Devin and Karli. She also left 11 great-grandchildren, the 2 newest of whom she was able to hold tenderly in her arms during her final hours.

The hallmark of Beverly’s life was that of service to others, always taking great care to ensure that the needs of her loved ones were fully met before considering her own. She was always entirely present and available to her family, friends and neighbors; loving and nurturing and caring for anyone and everyone fortunate enough to be found in her path. Her character was exemplary, and it has often been said by those who knew her that never a complaint was to be heard on her lips. Instead, we will only remember her gently humming a happy tune while she worked around the home.

Beverly was no stranger to heartache and tribulation in this life. Tragically, and far too early, she lost two of her sons, Scott and Brian. In 2013, her husband, best friend and life companion of 65 years, also preceded her in death. Yet despite these great losses, she carried on with pioneer-like faith and steadfastness, leading her family with courage and grace at all times and in all things. It brings us all unspeakable joy and rejoicing to simply imagine the long-anticipated scene that just took place in the Spirit World. At last, our sweet Beverly, reunited in an embrace together with Alan, Brian and Scott.

Although she never received a formal higher education, she was a passionate learner of all things and worked diligently to cultivate a rich and impressive intellect. She was constantly found with a book in her hand and a quick quip on her tongue. Her sharp memory allowed her to recall even the smallest of details in our lives, which she asked about often and would make us feel so special and loved. She never missed a birthday and many of us will forever save and cherish the voice-mails she left on our phones wishing us a happy day and reminding us of how wonderful life is. She left one such birthday wish for me, less than a week prior to her passing.

Beverly was a devout follower of Jesus Christ and an active Latter-day Saint throughout her life. Never was there a more humble and charitable disciple of Jesus than our sweet “Bev.” Her words and deeds truly exemplified the life and love of the Savior. She was the first to bring a home-cooked meal to a neighbor going through a difficult time. She sacrificed countless hours in the temple and doing work for the dead and was even recognized by the First Presidency of the Church for her service rendered through the indexing of over 2 million names!

Our family holiday memories include not only thoughtful gifts accompanied with fresh socks and packs of chewing gum, but also stacks of scarves and piles of blankets next to the Christmas tree that she hand-knit to give to the homeless during the harsh winter months. Just as Jesus helped the blind to see, Beverly helped us to always see the good in others. Just as Jesus healed the sick, Beverly always had a healing word when we were sick at heart. Just as Jesus fed the hungry, Beverly fed our souls with love and kindness … and roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.

We will miss her cheerful disposition and her uplifting spirit, but we know that same spirit will continue to watch over us, comfort us and guide us from the other side until we meet again. 

Funeral services for Beverly will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, Utah. An evening viewing in her honor will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the mortuary. A Wednesday morning viewing will be held from 10:45-11:45 a.m. at the mortuary prior to services.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.