Beverly J. Hawk

Beverly Joyce Hawk, a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, at the age of 91 in Mesquite, Nevada. She was lovingly cared for by her son, Kurtis, at his home during the final four years of her life.

Born on December 12, 1933, in Pullman, Washington, Beverly was the daughter of G. Orien Baker and Beulah Joyce (Spencer) Baker. She was raised in Moscow, Idaho, where she graduated from Moscow High School in 1951. Beverly went on to earn her degree in English from the University of Idaho in 1955, laying the foundation for a life marked by intelligence, devotion, and quiet strength.

Beverly married in 1955 and, with her husband, built a life filled with adventure, love, and resilience. Their early years took them to Browning, Montana and Rigby, Idaho. In 1962, Beverly’s husband accepted a transfer and realized his lifelong dream of living and working in Homer, Alaska. With three young children-including a newborn-and the family’s black Labrador, Beverly bravely undertook the journey along the gravel-paved Alaska Highway, navigating remote wilderness and pontoon bridge crossings over rivers. This remarkable chapter of her early motherhood defined her strength and determination in raising her children. The family remained in Homer until 1974, when they returned to Moscow, Idaho, where Beverly would live for the remainder of her life until her final years in Nevada.

Professionally, Beverly worked at the University of Idaho both before and after raising her family. She began part-time in the Soils and Animal Science Departments before dedicating herself fully to her children from 1956 to 1974. After returning to Moscow, she resumed her career as a secretary in the Home Extension Department before returning to the Animal Science Department assisting with recordkeeping, including cow herd records and the mule cloning program. She eventually retired in 1999.

Beverly’s life was grounded in her family, her faith, and her passions. She raised three children and helped care for six of her grandchildren. She found joy in reading, knitting, playing piano, singing in the church choir, and spending time outdoors-fishing, gardening, skiing, and ice skating.

Her deep faith was reflected in her lifelong membership at the First United Methodist Church of Moscow, where she was an active member of the church choir. She was also a lifelong member of the Order of the Eastern Star and participated in numerous community organizations, including the Tri Delta Sorority, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Homer Homemakers, Homer Concert Association, and Homer Ski Club.

Beverly is survived by her son, Kurtis G. Hawk of Mesquite, Nevada; her daughter, Susan A. Abdelshife (Musa) of El Segundo, California; twelve grandchildren, nineteen great­-grandchildren, one sister-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, John F. Baker; her daughter, Kathleen J. Hawk; her brother-in-law, Rolland J. Hawk; sisters-in-law Janice M. Hawk and Sylvia A. Baker; niece Cynthia J. Hawk; and grandson Hamzah M. Abdelshife.

Services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Methodist Church Choir at First United Methodist Church of Moscow, Idaho, in honor of Beverly’s lifelong dedication to music and worship. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, service, and faith-deeply cherished by all who knew her.