Beverly Mae Ames

Beverly Mae Ames passed away soon after a tragic fall in Mesa, AZ, on September 22, 2021, she was 93.

Born to John and Nettie Hahne in Fargo, Bev was the youngest of their four children. She graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1946. During her high school days, she worked at the Fargo Theater and spoke often of the wonderful memories she still held of that time. After graduation, she attended Interstate Business College and went on to work at Equitable Life Assurance Society and Cass County Welfare.

Bev married fellow Central High graduate D. Gordon Ames in 1949 and raised four children together through their 53 years of marriage in Fargo. As an avid golfer, she was a perennial entrant in the annual ND Women’s Golf Assoc. Tournament. Bev was an excellent league bowler, a savvy bridge player, a frequent entrant at the Red River Valley Fair with her knitting and needlepoint creations, and an accomplished gardener. Bev and Gordy spent their retirement years in Texas until Gordy’s passing in 2002.

While on vacation in AZ in 2006, Bev met and then married Montana rancher George Shy. Making their home in the Black Hills of SD and winters in AZ, they spent many years enjoying the ranch life as well as their retirement community life at Fountain of the Sun in Mesa. Ranch life afforded Bev virtually unlimited gardening as well as the beautiful Hills right out the door.

Throughout Bev’s time at Fountain of the Sun, she was a part of the hardcore Bison Club never missing a game, a constant at the many musical events at Birdie’s, bridge games always, and what seemed like a never-ending series of parties with friends she made from all over the country. After George’s passing in 2019, life did slow down a bit, but just a little bit.

In between the many visits from ND friends, children and grandchildren, Bev maintained a constant attachment with her knitting needles, crochet hooks, and needlepoint projects. A large part of her legacy is the countless baby blankets, quilts, scarves, sweaters, baby hats & booties for all of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren all adorned with her “Handmade by G’ma Bev” label.

Bev is survived by her children: Michael (Nancy), Florence, AZ, Jeffrey (Marilyn), Minneapolis, Daniel (Barbara), Rapid City, SD, Cynthia (David) Brown, Scottsdale, AZ. Nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

A private graveside service is planned at the family plot in Riverside Cemetery. Memorials are encouraged to Hospice of the Red River Valley.