It is with heartfelt sadness and a profound sense of loss, that the family of Beverly Stanisich announces her passing on April 3, 2026.  She passed away peacefully after a short illness.

Beverly's journey through life began in Butte, Montana, over eight decades ago, on April 18, 1940.  She was the first of two children born to Rudolph and Zoriene (Narancich) Balkovetz, early day cattle ranchers in rural Madison County.  Her childhood was spent in simpler times, raised on the family ranch near the small hard working town of Twin Bridges.  It was the "take care of each other" sense of responsibility Beverly always treasured, as well as her younger years spent at their ranch bordering the beautiful Jefferson River.

Though there were no tvs or computers then, and only a few rotary phones in the area, there was plenty to do for entertainment- always time to throw a few horse shoes- and in the evenings card games were enjoyed with friends, neighbors and family members.  Then it was the rule "early to bed and early to rise" - always looking forward to the beginning of a busy new day.

Summer days provided work in the hay field, along with other chores to tend, including planting and maintaining a large garden, canning vegetables from the garden and fruit from the orchard.  Year round there were cows to be milked, eggs to gather, butter to churn, and large meals to cook for the family and hired hands.  Beverly also belonged to the local 4-H Club.

She loved sports, and every fall she joined her dad and brother hunting for deer and elk, and on one trip bagged a large black bear in Hell's Canyon, an exciting memory she often recalled!

Beverly attended the local school in Twin Bridges, graduating high school in 1958.  During high school she participated in various musical programs, playing clarinet in the band and orchestra, singing in the Glee Club and chorus and for several years achieving superior ratings in State competition.  She was also a pianist and vocalist for two well-known dance bands- The Harbor Lighters and The Silver Notes, entertaining most weekends around the area.  For several years she was also the vocalist for Nellie Poole Studios, an accordian dance band in Dillon.

In July, following her high school graduation, she married Howard Paige, a project engineer for the Montana Highway Department.  During this marriage, their only child, Noelle, was born.

In the mid-sixties, in an entrepreneurial spirit, they founded and grew a very successful building materials business.  It was known as Howard Lumber Company and served the Madison and Beaverhead counties for many years.

Sometimes life does not go on as planned, and in 1976 their 18 year marriage ended.  As a single parent, Beverly continued working, raising and educating her daughter.

Over many years, she was employed in offices of several Butte businesses- The Finlen Hotel, Roberts Rocky Mountain Equipment Co., and General Constructors.  She was also a member of the American Business Women's Association.

Beverly was an avid reader, and she also loved fashion.   In her late 20's she took a correspondence course from the New York School of Design (no online then) and over the years she made decorating, along with writing music, her hobbies.

She had a vast collection of cookbooks and was a wonderful cook.  Over the years she served many delicious holiday meals for family and friends.

In June of 1980 she married local businessman, Donald Stanisich.  With their combined families in tow, they traveled to the former Yugoslavia, their ancestral home near Budva.  Their international wedding took place at the historic 16th century Monastery of Rezavici, Katun, Montenegro.  The traditional Serbian Orthodox ceremony was celebrated with many family members, friends and dignitaries in attendance, followed by a lavish reception on the Adriatic Riviera.  The rest of the summer was spent traveling with their family throughout Europe, returning to Butte in early September of 1980.

Don and Bev continued to live and work in Butte until Don's retirement.  They then spent winters at their home in Las Vegas.  During retirement they traveled extensively around the world, exploring different cultures, visiting with the locals and savoring the memories and friendships they made along the way.

Beverly loved her heritage.  Both she and Don were long-time and faithful members of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Over the past several years she spent time in Denver, Colorado, where she lived until recently, and in Arizona, where her daughter and son-in law live part-time and her grandson, Brandon, lives full time.  They all often went on trips together, internationally and throughout Arizona and Nevada, and enjoyed the warmer winter weather of the southwest.

Beverly was a loving and devoted wife to her belated and beloved husband, Don, a loving and caring mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many.  Surviving Beverly are her daughter, Noelle (Terry) Staab, and grandson, Brandon Staab, stepsons, Mike (Theresa) Stanisich, and Steve (Karen) Stanisich, four step-grandchildren, James and Arlo Stanisich, Ashley (Devin) Hart and Jessica (Barry) Sunderlund, and step-great-grandchildren, Karisma, Kassidy, Tayton and Oaken.  Additional survivors include Beverly's brother, David Balkovetz, niece, Angela (Josh) Montanye and great niece, Amelia "Millie" Montanye; sister-in-law Natalie Drakulich as well as an extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews.

She will be remembered for her kind and supportive nature, her dignity, grace, optimism, sense of adventure, and zest for life.  She was truly one of those unique people whose genuine warmth, caring and thoughtfulness made her loved by many.  The world is a better place because she lived, and her spirit and compassion will live on in all of us who loved her.

Beverly's remarkable life will be celebrated at the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church on Saturday, April 18th, which would have been her 86th birthday.  The service will begin at 10:00 a.m.  with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m.  An evening prayer service for her will be held at the Church on Friday evening, April 17th at 6:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Interment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery following church services on April 18th.  A luncheon will follow the graveside service.

Those wishing to make a memorial may send it to the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, 2100 Continental Drive, Butte, Montana, 59701, Shodair Children's Hospital, 2755 Colonial Drive, Helena, Montana, 59601, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN, 38105,  Shriner's Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL  33607, or a charity of one's choice.

Those wishing to send condolences online may do so at duggandolanmortuary.com