Beverly Houska

Beverly Florence Ponto was born to Fritz Edward Ponto and Florence Amanda Erwin on November 14, 1937, in Worthington, MN.  She passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026 with family by her side.

Beverly graduated from Worthington High School in 1957.  She then went on to work for her Nursing diploma and was certified by the South Dakota State Nurses Examining Board in 1959.

On February 13, 1960, she married Robert Baron Houska at The First Christian Church in Sioux Falls, SD.  After marriage she changed her name to Beverly Ponto Houska.  They moved to various locations from the mid-west to the southwest, from the extreme northwest territories and back to the mountain states, as Bob moved up in his education career.

Beverly had initially trained as a surgical nurse, but later turned to Nursing Home care and working nights, as this allowed her to care for her children, particularly in the mornings, when they came home from school and then the evenings, before she left for work again.

Beverly is survived by her beloved children and their spouses, her son Derrick (Vickie) Houska, and two daughters Cerise (Russ) Ivey and two cherished grandsons, Matthew and Stephen, of whom she was very proud, and Carina (Sean) Wells.  Bev is preceded in death by her much-loved parents, Fritz and Florence Ponto; her dearest husband, Robert; her precious younger brother, Robert Eugene; and adored older brother, Norbert Edward.

Beverly enjoyed traveling, swimming, embroidery and sewing projects, putting together the best holiday feasts and birthday parties, sharing jokes, old stories, memories and laughing with her friends and loved ones, spending time with her grandsons, and going out for dinner with family and friends.  She also made the best home-made chocolate cake with the most magical chocolate icing.

She was a long-time member of the Elks and Eastern Star, and attended Grandview Community Church.  She also served as president of the Moffat County Women’s Republican Party and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Beverly was the epitome of a loving, protective and selfless Mother – always guided in her decision making in terms of what was best for her family.  She was devoted, giving, hard-working, loyal, strong, caring, thoughtful, nurturing, funny, charming and generous.  She once attended a meeting with a group discussion where each person was asked a separate question.  Mom was asked what she was most proud of in her life.  She raised her face with a smile and immediately responded, “My family, my children.  I am the most proud of them.”

The family wishes to express heart-felt gratitude to the Saint Thomas More Hospital Emergency Room and Hospice facility.  Their compassion, care and concern for Mom will not be forgotten.  We will always be thankful for their professional and constant care for Mom, the information and options provided, and the clean and peaceful environment so she could relax and pass with dignity.

Special thanks to Holt Family Funeral Home for their assistance in scheduling with multiple family members coming in at various dates and times.  Their sincere compassion and thoughtfulness throughout the process is much appreciated.

A grave side memorial service and interment will take place in Chamberlain, South Dakota, at a date to be determined. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Beverly Houska, please visit our floral store.