Beverly Solum

This is my story to share with you by Beverly Solum

Hi there, my name is Bev Wing Solum, I was born Nov 5, 1931 in Missoula, Montana, to Ben and Jessie Wing, two sisters Doris and Betty proceeded me into the Wing family, with 2 brothers Benny and Bob and 2 sisters Deanna and Mable followed after.

When mom was pregnant with Benny, she was arranging places for the three girls to stay when she was in the hospital, Dorris and Betty were going to stay with Grandma Wing. Aunt Alma asked mom if she could take me to Nevada, Mom said she said yes. I fit right in with Auntie’s family and was treated like a princess. Mom had Benny and they returned home. But Aunt Alma wasn’t about to send me back to Missoula. Mom had to pack up Benny and make the trip to Nevada by train to retrieve me.

My dear sister Doris died at the age of 12. Just 2 years later we lost our sweet brother Benny at the age of 3. It was a devastating time for our family.

Our daddy was a bartender, it seemed we only saw him at dinner time.

My sister Betty and I attended Central Grade School and Missoula County High School. Our daddy died at age 57, I was a Jr in high school. Poor momma had a huge burden to carry. I felt mom needed my help, so that is where my formal education ended.

Les Solum was the love of my life. We were married June 18, 1949. We met at a kiddie dance. When I got home, I told momma I met the most wonderful guy, he is tall with dark hair, handsome and Norwegian. Les and I had five children, Bob, Lois, Don, Shirley and Patti, all the kids live in Missoula except Don who lives in Idaho. I have 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. I am truly blessed. My Les died in 1997; he lived a good life.

As for me, I worked as a waitress for many years, in 1967 I started to work at the University of Montana, as a cashier in the controller’s office. For seventeen years as cashier supervisor. Due to Les’ poor health, I retired after 22 years from the University. I have also worked as a store clerk and personal care attendant. At age 79, I started at Beech Transportation as a school bus attendant and worked there for 10 years, a job I dearly loved. I quit that job to bring my sister-in-law, Margeret Burditt into my home, she was 96. My daughters, Lois, Shirley and Patti helped me care for her for about two years.

Through the years I had many interests. I belonged to Montana Democratic Club, attended two Governors balls, a tea at the governor’s mansion and the Montana centennial ball at the state capital. I served as President and chairman for the Franklin PTA. When our kids were in high school, I served as secretary as the Missoula PTA. I wrote articles for the Montana PTA magazine and was awarded a lifetime membership. I have been a Den Mother for boy scouts, a leader for blue birds and campfire and Y teams. I belonged the Women of the Moose for 49 years, serving as Chaplin, Jr Regent, Sr Regent and Jr Graduate Regent. I received the Friendship Degree. The women of the moose submitted my name to receive recognition in “The Outstanding Women of America” an honor originated by Frist Lady, Lady Bird Johnson. Seven other women from Missoula were also submitted for this honor.

While our son Don was surviving in the Navy, I belonged to the Navy Mothers club. It was my pleasure to participate in the wreath ceremony, Throwing a wreath into the Clark Forth River from Orange St Bridge on Memorial Day for several years. WE were a support group for men and women in the Navy and their families, a very worthwhile organization.

I was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church for 81 years. I have been involved in many ways. I served on the church council on many committees. And I was a Sunday school teacher for over 40 years with my sister Betty. My family and I offered helping hands when it was Emanual’s turn to host homeless families in Family Promise. Making vacation bible school treats was a real joy. We also assisted with Sunday services and Wednesday advent and Lenten soup suppers. Emanual had a big part in establishing Missoula’s Goodwill Industries. I served on their board of Directors. I’m now a member of Grace United Methodist Church with daughters Lois and Patti.

I have done pie a month for over fifteen years, as a fundraiser, donating all the supplies and labor. At times having up to 6 pies or pastries per month as requested.

Our family loves to travel, whether the journey is long or short, we are ready to go! I have traveled with various family members, to Norway twice, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Germany and 26 states.

Of all of my interests listed on these pages our “50’s GALS” tops the list {women who graduated high school in 1950}. I just loved our monthly lunches. When else would we see each other? Thanks, gals, for including me in the group.

Bev is survived by her children Bob (Donna), Lois (Glenn) Merkel, Don (Tere), Shirley, Patty (Ernie) Orr. Her grandchildren Maria Cahill (John), Kyle Solum and Beth, Clint (Stacie) Roberts, Mark Roberts, James (Gaby) Solum, Scott (Ashley) Solum, Angela (Gabe) Charbonneau, Sumer Pellett and Sam, Robert Wanberg, Ernie Orr and Julie, David Orr and April. Her great grandchildren Hollis, Blake and Natlie Cahill, Sim and Kyla Roberts, Dominic and Isabell Solum, Aura and Lilyanna, Alena (Mick) and Reece Haugo, Dane Charbonneau, Saul and Riley Pellet and Mikaela Downey, Julie Grove and Hailey Grove as well as numerous of other family members.

Bev was preceded in death by her parents; Ben and Jessie Wing. Her siblings, Doris, Benny, Betty, and Deanna; and her grandchildren, Jennifer Roberts and Mark Roberts.

A Memorial Service is planned for 1:00 pm, Friday, October 17, 2025 at Grace United Methodist Church 1756 S 10th St W, Missoula, MT 59801.