Beverly Van Epps

Beverly was born in Lewistown, Montana on December 30, 1938 to Grace and Edwin Senef. She grew up in Denton, Montana and graduated from high school before moving to Spokane to attend Kinman Business University.

While in Spokane, Beverly met her future husband, Ken, on a blind date and married him in May, 1958. Ken served in the Air Force so Beverly quickly moved from Spokane to Glasgow, Montana to El Paso to Denton (while Ken served in Alaska) and then to Anchorage, Alaska. Beverly and her family lived in Rapid City, Salina, Kansas (while Ken served in Thailand), and Peru, Indiana before finally moving back to Spokane in 1975. She lived in Spokane for the rest of her life.

Beverly was predeceased by her husband Ken; they had been married for 45 years. Beverly and Ken had nine children, four of whom predeceased her: Maria Van Epps, Trina Binford, Gail McDonald, and Jesse Van Epps. 

She is survived by her children Tim Van Epps of Naperville, IL, James (Connie) Van Epps of Tewksbury, NJ, Ralph Van Epps of Spokane, Peggy (Ken) Shapiro of Lawrenceville, NJ, and Wyonne Van Epps (Jason Lien) of Spokane and by her brother Glenn (Christine) Senef and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Beverly loved children and ran an in-home daycare for many years. She also loved to bake and loved the many pets - birds, cat, dogs, fish - she had over the years. Later in life she became a reluctant traveler so that she could keep up with her children's lives including many trips to New Jersey, Seattle, and Portland along with other trips to Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, and Montana.

Beverly was an active member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church and cherished worshipping with her many friends there.

Beverly passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025 surrounded by her daughters.

Beverly was exceptionally strong throughout her tough life. She had grit before it was en vogue. But she was also gentle and caring in her unique way. She could make you laugh without even trying, and often without even knowing why. Her ability to accept life as it was and to laugh at herself is what kept her grounded and also spoke to her lack of gray hair! She will be dearly missed by her children, extended family and all her friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 3-5 p.m. at Riplinger Funeral Home in Spokane. Beverly's funeral will be at 11a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025 at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church with a reception to follow. She will be laid to rest at Spokane Memorial Gardens.

Her family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Avista Senior Living where Beverly lived for the last 4 years and the kind people at Horizon Hospice who provided care during Beverly's final months. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite animal shelter in Beverly's memory.