Beverly Derr Shields, 94
Beverly Derr Shields, 94, passed away on Monday, January 18, 2021, in Clark Fork, Idaho, surrounded by loved ones. She will be buried in the Clark Fork Cemetery and services will be held at a later date.
Bev was born on June 6, 1926, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to Alfred and Hattie Derr. She grew up and attended schools in Clark Fork. Bev married Elmer T. Shields on June 28, 1944, in Clark Fork. Elmer passed away in 1962. She began doing what she had to do to support her family. She waitressed at Herschel’s Light House in Hope and for Ross Derr at his restaurant in Clark Fork. She filled in at the Clark Fork post office part-time and also worked in the Ruen potato fields and at the railroad potato loading facility. Bev then earned her nursing license through North Idaho College. She worked for Dr. Munson for several years and then for Bonner General Health. Her nursing career spanned 23 years until she retired in 1991. Bev was also active in politics serving as a local voter registrar and volunteering as a poll worker at the Clark Fork precinct for many years.
She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, cooking, travelling, picking berries and spending time with family. She is survived by her five children, Thomas (Kathie) Shields of Clark Fork, Linda (David) Calhoon of Libby, Montana, Susan (James) Metzger of Payette, Patrick (Lea) Shields of Kasilof, Alaska, and Connie Shields of Fairfield, Washington; one brother, John (Dottie) Derr of Port Charlotte, Florida; 19 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Elmer Shields and Boyd Olson; two daughters, Margaret Shields and Catherine Dawson; four siblings, Allen Derr, James Derr, Maryetta Derr, and Jane Derr-Betts; and three grandchildren, James and Jason VanHouten and Heather Shields.
Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Beverly’s memorial page at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her guest book.