Judith Lorraine Ziesmer Bevis

Judith Lorraine Ziesmer Bevis, 84, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2024 in Seattle, WA with her daughter and granddaughter by her side. Judy was born on January 22, 1940 in a little house in Winnett across from the current library (how fitting) to Stanley and Alberta Ziesmer. She joined a brother, Stanley. The family then grew to include sister, Joyce and little brother, Larry. In the families early days, they spent time in Harlowton, Melstone and Roundup until finally coming back to Winnett in 1949. Judy completed her education and graduated from Winnett High School in 1958.

On May 25th, 1958 she married her high school sweetheart, Burton B Bevis. They lived at Cat Creek where Burt was in business with his dad, Lester and brother, Harry. Judy was the Cat Creek Postmaster until they moved to Winnett in 1971.

Bryon Keith was born March 24th, 1959, Michael Wade was born March 25th, 1961 and Donald Wayne was born May 4th, 1963. Burt and Judy's family was complete. However, on August 4th, 1965 Donnie was bitten by 2 rattlesnakes and was taken into God's arms that afternoon. A tragedy that stuck with Burt and Judy until they were all reunited on July 15th, 2024. On Thanksgiving evening, November 25th, 1966, their family was whole again. Patricia Jo came into the world and filled a void for all; daughter and sister with pink ribbons and curls.

After completing their move to the small acreage across McDonald Creek, Burt continued his construction business and Judy went to work at the local Hardware store. Soon after, the school needed a librarian and it called on Judy. She loved this job because it gave her the same schedule as her children. That meant also that Burt had a pipe layer for his waterlines. Judy laid more pipe in Petroleum County than anyone, and if you asked Sonny Weingart or Floyd Hill, Judy was the ONLY one to lay pipe on their projects. The fall of 1977, Judy moved from checking out the students books to punching the kids' lunch tickets. To say Judy loved her job, well, we all know how much she loved HER kids. She saw many kids graduate and her goal was to see all her precious Grandkids through. She continued punching tickets until 2010 which just left Tucker, but she knew he'd be ok without her. The halls of the school made her happy, but when it was time to clock out, she did just that. More time meant more time for Grandkids, making beautiful cards, going to Deadwood with Janet and Roy and just doing whatever she wanted when she wanted.

We all know the last 12 years has been spent with the Great-Grandchildren. The bond that was created with all 5 of those precious little humans was a bond like no other. Mayson, Jade, Charli, Riley and Miles always knew where the "good" snacks were. Grandma Judy never said NO!

Judy is survived by her children, Bryon of Lewistown, Michael of Winnett, and Patti (Dwane) Kiehl of Winnett; Grandchildren, Bo Bevis of Roundup, Cassie (Jordan) Brinkerhoff of Winnett, Preston (Haley) Kiehl of Winnett, Cedar (Todd) Bevis of Billings, Tucker Bevis of Winnett, and Sheridan (Alan) Mork of Colstrip; Great-Grandchildren, Mayson and Jade Brinkerhoff, Charli, Riley and Miles Burton, Kenneth Kiehl of Winnett; Judy's brothers, Stanley Ziesmer of California and Larry Ziesmer of Arkansas.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Alberta Ziesmer; sister, Joyce Drube; beloved husband of 65 years, Burton; and her adorable son, Donnie.

Services will be held at the Petroleum County Community Center on Friday, August 2nd, at 11:00. Luncheon will be served immediately following. Burial will be held on September 2nd, at 11:00 in conjunction with the burial of her sister, Joyce Drube at the Winnett Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Petroleum County Senior Citizens or the Petroleum County Ambulance.

Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Judy's family and friends can share memories and condolences at http://www.creelfuneralhome.com