Beverly Ann Plato

Beverly Ann Plato (90) passed away on June 8, 2023 at her home in Chandler, Arizona.

She was born in Carpio, North Dakota on July 12, 1932 to parents Sirleen and Elmer Satterlund.  She moved with her family to Bonners Ferry in North Idaho in December of 1936 and this was her home for 86 years.

Beverly went to grade school at the Copeland School and graduated from Bonners Ferry High School.  She then attended Kinman Business College in Spokane, Washington and got a job working for the bank in Bonners Ferry after graduating.

She married Leland Plato in 1953 and quit her job at the bank to become a full time mother - raising 4 children.  She spent her time helping with the cattle and farming chores as well as sewing the kid’s clothes, raising an enormous garden, canning, freezing fruit and vegetables and butchering the beef they raised.

When the kids were in high school Bev began working as the secretary at Trinity Lutheran Church which she enjoyed for many many years.

She was involved in many things, but her weekly quilting group at the church was the highlight of her week for decades.  She “scoured” all of the yard sales in Bonners every weekend looking for sheets to be used for the quilts which the church donated to Lutheran World Relief.  She received numerous awards throughout the years for her volunteer work.

Beverly’s faith, hard work and dedication to her family continued long into her later years.  When Leland was hurt in a logging accident at age 52, she became his primary caregiver for 26 years until his passing in 2004.   They both inspired so many with their amazing attitude, courage, faith and resilience.

In 1995 - they decided to retire and sold Plato Nursery.  They built a beautiful home in Moyie Springs and together spent many peaceful hours watching the bald eagles, deer, turkeys and trains.

They loved their close knit neighborhood group affectionately referred to as “Lutheran Lane”,  She continued to live there after Leland’s passing by herself staying busy and VERY independent.

When she was 90 - she finally admitted “maybe she shouldn’t be living alone” anymore - and moved to Chandler, AZ as she had 2 children living in Arizona.

We cannot begin to relate all the stories of an “almost 91 year” life, so we end here with a smile on our face and love in our hearts as we remember the life and legacy of this remarkable woman.

Beverly touched so many lives, and we as her children were so fortunate and blessed to have her as our mom.

She is survived by her children Donnie (Bonners Ferry, ID), Roger (Apache Junction, AZ), Carol (Ottawa, Canada), Corinne and her husband Robert Scofield (Chandler, AZ), her sister Gloria (Eugene, Oregon) as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

There will be a celebration of life in Bonners Ferry at a later date.

If you would like to give a gift in memory (or Honor) of Bev Plato the family suggests Trinity Lutheran Church’s Quilting Group.  You can make checks out to Trinity Lutheran designated for Trinity Quilting group.