Beverly Jean Tompkins

Beverly Jean Tompkins, 87, born Dec.
17, 1928, passed away peacefully on
Sept. 5, 2016, in Walla Walla.
Born in Hoquiam, Wash., she was the daughter of
the late Victor Lorraine Wilder and Eleanor Campbell
Hopcroft.
She graduated from Everett High School where she
was a cheerleader and was active in the school’s radio
program. Beverly received a bachelor’s degree in
speech from Washington State University in 1951,
where she was a cheerleader for the Cougars. It was
at Washington State where she met the love of her
life, Ronald Tompkins. Ron and Bev wed in 1951,
and had their first daughter, Pamela Jean, in 1952;
a year later they had another daughter, Cheryl Ann.
After they were married they travelled briefly to various
Army stations in the U.S., in conjunction with
Ron’s military service. In 1954, they moved to the
family farm in Clyde, Wash., and lived there until
1967, when they moved to Walla Walla.
Growing up, Bev was very athletic and excelled at
ice skating, skiing, and bowling. Golf became a passion
for Bev later in life, and in 1983, became the
Walla Walla Country Club women’s champion. Bev
donated her time to the Junior Club and PEO Chapter
CI in Walla Walla.
Beverly is survived by her husband of 64 years, Ron;
her daughters, Pam Molvar, Cheri Baumann and
husband Kent Baumann; grandchildren, Michael
and Laura Jeanne Molvar. She is also survived by
three sisters-in-law, Margaret Leslie of Spokane,
Hideko Wilder of Virginia and Elizabeth Tompkins
of Walla Walla; 14 nieces and nephews. She was preceded
in death by her parents; her brother, Gayle
Wilder.
Her infectious smile will be missed by all who loved
her.
The family held a private graveside service at Mountain
View Cemetery in Walla Walla on Sept. 17. A
celebration of Beverly’s life will be on Oct. 1, 2016,
at 3 p.m. at the Walla Walla Country Club. In lieu
of flowers, memorial contributions may be made
to Walla Walla Community Hospice, the American
Cancer Society, Humane Society, or an organization
of one’s choice through Herring Groseclose Funeral
Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla WA 99362.