In her more than 95 years on Earth, Beverly Dawn Garrett Tomberlin lived a life marked by love, laughter, resilience, and adventure. From the Great Depression and Dust Bowl to World War II and beyond, Bev witnessed tremendous change while remaining devoted to family, faith, and lifelong learning. She passed away peacefully and quickly on July 21, 2026, at Common Spirit Hospice Mercy after a brief battle with breast cancer. Surrounded by family and dear friends, her sharp wit, overwhelming warmth, infectiously bright smile and sense of humor remained with her until the end.

Bev was born on February 8, 1931, to Clint Roscoe and Esther Bryant Garrett near Mullen, Nebraska. During her early childhood, worsening drought and economic hardship prompted the family, which included two beloved older brothers, to move 1,000 miles west and ultimately settle near Wilder, Idaho. Growing up during wartime taught Bev the values of hard work, frugality, and perseverance that guided her throughout life. She graduated from Wilder High School in 1948 along with 34 classmates and made the honor roll. She lettered in sports all four years. This was just the start of her extraordinarily led life.

While attending the University of Idaho--in Moscow, Idaho, some 300 miles north of Wilder --Bev met Berford Guy Tomberlin Jr. Their romance quickly blossomed, and they married on April 5, 1950; both were aged 19. They built a loving partnership that would span more than six decades. After settling in Durango, Bev and Guy raised their children with a life filled with generational inclusion. Bev lived in their Lightner Creek home for some 65 years. She went on to continue her education, graduated Alamosa State College, taught one year at the old Animas School and then began teaching second grade at Needham Elementary. Her career was not only her great joy but a passion that touched generations of local children and their families. She retired in 1989 after 30 years.

An enthusiastic traveler and adventurer, Bev shared a love of archaeology, birding, camping, river running (including all 10 legendary Big Drops and several trips down the Grand Canyon), with her husband Guy. Their travels took them throughout the American West, to Machu Picchu in Peru, and to destinations including China, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Mexico, Canada, Central America, and South America. She went to Kenya nearing her 79th birthday, where she enjoyed a safari with her family.

A strong Christian and faithful supporter of Summit Church United Methodist, Bev was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Guy, who passed away in 2016. She is survived by her daughter Gaylene (Larry) and son Daryl (Julianne), six grandchildren: Cheri, Jason, Brian, Allen, Rebecca, and Chuck; numerous great-grandchildren, and many cherished friends. Her kindness, humor, adventurous spirit, deeply caring heart and unwavering love for family and friends will be remembered always.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 11am followed by lunch at Summit Church United Methodist, 2917 Aspen Drive, Durango. Celebrate her with love, smiles, good stories and your best necklace. Thanks again to John Peel, the author of The Book of Bev, copies of which will be available at her service.
P.S. You made it to the end. Bev would be proud….she always read the obituaries first.