Beverly Gabbard

Bev Gabbard, 88, passed away on November 5th, 2023, at Cottage in the Meadow. She was born June 24th, 1935, in Yakima WA. to Archie and Ethel Hill. Mom attended Yakima Schools and graduated from Yakima High in 1953. She was able to attend her 70th class reunion this year. And also, a great grandsons wedding! Mom belonged to several clubs in school, but always talked about her diving team days. Dad tells us she had the most beautiful back dive he’d ever seen. Mom met Max Gabbard when she needed a date for a Rainbow dance, where she was the Grand Advisor, and a friend suggested Max take her, since he loved to dance. The rest is history. They were married in the Spring of 1954 and were married 69 ½ years. She was truly the best mother to us kids. She made our 4H outfits, attended every horse show, or boxing match or baseball game. She also volunteered countless hours at the red cross booth at the fair. There was never a question we were loved. They built, along with their sons, Max Gabbard Construction. When Mom wanted a Gazebo, Dad and her boys built it for her, and that became the beginning of the Country Tea Garden Restaurant. She opened and operated, along with her daughter and friend Martha, the restaurant for many years, training her six young granddaughters to be waitresses and cashiers. She made the most amazing scones. She was also famous for her cinnamon rolls. There really was nothing to compare them too. Her talents weren't only in the kitchen, she was a very talented painter and crafter, and loved teaching tole painting to her friends. She had the best sense of humor, quick wit and greatest laugh. One of her favorite things to tell people if they asked if she collected anything, she’d just say, “well yes, dust. I collect dust.” Her Granddaughters were her best friends, and her and Leah and Lyndsay had the craziest times together. Her and her bestie, Penny would take off and go on an adventure, whether it be traveling to the ocean, or just to get out of town, but always finding their way home on whatever wrong turn they’d take. They had so much fun! Bev is survived by her husband Max, 3 sons, Randy (Sue), Ray (Dorothy) and Ryan, also one daughter Renell Neveu (Pat). 16 grandchildren and if you asked her how many great grandchildren, she’d tell you she couldn’t count that high. She had so many kids and grandkids that considered her “mom” or grandma that we couldn’t possibly name them all. This sweet little lady that was called wife, friend, Mom, Grandma will truly be missed. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Archie (Bud) Jr., Son Reid and several nieces and nephews. A memorial will be held at 10 am on Sat. the 18th at Valley Hills memorial chapel in Terrace Heights. In lieu of flowers, her favorite charities were the Shriners Hospital, the St. Jude Hospital and the local Humane society. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Beverly Gabbard, please visit our flower store.