Neva Pearl Hoovestal

Neva Pearl Hoovestal passed away peacefully at the age of 97 at Garden Court, St. John's Lutheran Home, Billings, on May 8, 2012. She was welcomed in Heaven by her husband, family and friends that had gone before her. Hers was a life well lived.

Neva was born in Glendive on Nov. 20, 1914. She grew up on the family farm at Bean, Montana. She was the youngest child of Martin and Lydia Muller. She had three brothers and one sister: Elmer, Louie, Bill and Merle. Her father was killed in a tragic horse accident when she was just 2 years old and she and her siblings were raised on the farm by a widowed young mom. Life was not easy during the early 1900s keeping the farm going but Neva inherited her strong character and perseverance from her mother who Neva often said could do anything.

Always bright and determined, Neva graduated from high school at Wibaux at the age of 16. She married Palmer Hoovestal June 22, 1936. They were blessed with 71 happy years together. From this union, four children were born: Myrna, Gary, Janice and Dennis. Palmer and Neva lived in Wibaux, Glendive and Forsyth before buying the Sanders General Mercantile Store where they also ran the post office for 50 years and raised their family. Neva was an active partner in the business and worked as bookkeeper and clerk. Later they moved to Hysham in 1987 and to Billings in 2001 to be closer to family.

Neva's family was so important to her that she put their needs first. Her children had an idyllic upbringing. She was supportive of her children's involvement in activities. They do not remember her ever saying a cross word or raising her voice in anger. As her children's families grew, Grandma Neva loved spending time with each of her 10 grandchildren and having them come to stay for extended visits and participating in each of their interests.

Neva was a member of the Hysham Community Presbyterian Church, a lifetime member of the Hysham Women's Club, a member of Eastern Star, a 4-H leader and active in the Senior Citizens. Neva had a wide circle of friends and was the person family and friends turned to for advice and counsel. Their home was connected to the store and customers often stopped in the house to see her. She was never too busy to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee, good conversation and one of her homemade cookies or desserts.

Neva, an avid reader with an inquisitive, witty mind, was driven to learn and valued education. She enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, especially bridge and pinochle, crossword puzzles, hosting parties and dancing. She was a wonderful cook and baker and she also enjoyed growing beautiful flowers and the fruits of her garden.

Neva was preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings.

She is survived by her children, Myrna (Omer) Van Luvanee of Billings, Gary (YuVonne) Hoovestal of Helena, Janice Brown of Bozeman and Dennis (Michelle) Hoovestal of Laurel. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandsons.

Funeral services are under the direction of Smith Funeral Chapels with visitation at Smiths Funeral Chapel West on Thursday, May 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., with family greeting friends. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 18, at 2 p.m. at Hysham Community Presbyterian Church. Burial will be at the Hysham Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Senior Citizens.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sanders Community Hall, Hysham Community Presbyterian Church, or Treasurer County Senior Citizens all in care of Pat Miller, Box 33, Old Highway Ten, Sanders, MT 59076. A special thank you to the staff at Garden Court, St. John's Lutheran Home for their exceptional services and compassion.

Wear pearls in remembrance of our precious Neva Pearl as like a pearl, Neva was a beautiful lady inside and out. Unlike gem stones which must be cut and polished to reveal their clarity and beauty, the pearl is perfect as it comes from the oyster. Neva had so many pearls of wisdom to offer. One she would often repeat was "Do Good, Be Good." 

Neva Hoovestal

Neva Hoovestal