Beverlee Lee McPeak was born November 1, 1934 in Alliance, NE.  She was one of five children born to Guy and Lottie (McCord) Smith.  Bev grew up on family ranches near Oshkosh and Brewster, NE and graduated from Brewster High School in 1952.  Beverlee married Donald Gene McPeak on February 12, 1955 in Brewster, NE.  This union was blessed with three children – Kimberly, Casey, and Scott.  They ranched in South Dakota and Wyoming before returning to the Sandhills of Nebraska in 1974.  While raising her family, Bev took college classes and eventually completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education at Sinte Gleska College in 1985.  She was an elementary school teacher in the Todd County School District at Mission, SD for 22 years.

Bev's greatest joy in life was her grandchildren and great grandchildren…they loved her dearly and affectionately called her G-Bev.  She loved to smother them with hugs and kisses, make silver dollar pancakes, play cards and board games, read stories, do crazy stuff, and have fun!!  She also enjoyed rodeo, John Wayne movies, gardening, collecting coins and cookbooks, traveling to different places, and Husker football!

Beverlee had a quiet presence with a witty spirit and unforgettable personality.  She touched the lives of many people, young and old.  She attended Valentine United Methodist Church and was a member of the Methodist Women's group.  Bev volunteered at Valentine Centennial Hall and as a Pink Lady at Cherry County Hospital.

Bev passed away on March 3, 2020 at home with her family after a courageous battle with cancer.  She is survived by her children Kim/Glenn Troudt of Martell, NE, Casey/Kathy McPeak of Valentine, NE, and Scott/Marge McPeak of Flagstaff, AZ; her grandchildren and great grandchildren Eric Gift (Ela) of Lincoln, NE, Tom/Alysa Gift of Denver, CO, Clay/Brianna McPeak of Lincoln, NE, Kaela/James Bachelor (Lauren, Maggie) of Custer, SD, Tayler McPeak of Lincoln, NE, Chad McPeak of Valentine, NE, Scotty/Laura McPeak (Geneva, Olivia) of Flagstaff, AZ, and Shelby/Ryan Webb (Avery, Rylynn, Caleb, Scotty) of Papua New Guinea.  Also surviving is brother Barry Smith, brother-in-law Bill McPeak, sister-in-laws Nancy McPeak, Lenora Gandee, & Lois Sator; nieces and nephews of the McPeak and Smith families; best friend Ann Keech; and her beloved cats Sue and Rebel.  She was preceded in death by her husband Donald McPeak, parents Guy and Lottie Smith, brother Laddie Smith, and sisters Ercell Flood and Sharon Raben.

Funeral services for Beverlee McPeak will be held on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. CST at the United Methodist Church, 804 E. 5 ^th Street, with burial to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine, NE. A luncheon will be served following the burial at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Pastors A.G. Turner and Scott McClellen will officiate the ceremony.  Visitation will be at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines on Sunday, March 15 ^th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, you may send donations in memory of Bev to the Valentine Senior Center, 322 N. Macomb Street, Valentine, NE 69201.