Beulah Keith Evans

Beulah Keith Evans died early afternoon on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at the Parkway Health Center in Payson, Utah following a lengthy illness. She was 89 years old. Beulah was born the 4th of 5 children on October 3, 1920 in Show Low, Arizona to the late Alfred and Pearl (Stock) Petersen. She was raised on a ranch in Pinedale, Arizona where she enjoyed being the only sister to her 4 brothers. She had such a happy childhood playing on the ranch. She also learned the meaning and value of hard work. That work ethic served her well throughout her long life. Beulah married Walter Lee Keith on November 23, 1936. Their marriage later ended in divorce and, in January of 1955, she married Elton "Smokey" Evans. As a new wife and young mother, Beulah and her family lived in logging camps. She worked very hard as a cook for the loggers and really developed her cooking skills that her family was able to enjoy for many, many years. She always dressed up in her pretty dresses, even while standing in the dirt of the logging camps. She truly was a beautiful lady, both inside and out. Beulah loved serving other people. It was that special quality that "beckoned" her to work as a waitress for many years; both at the Maxwell House and the Horse Shoe Cafe in Show Low. Following her marriage to Smokey, she moved to California where Smokey bought her a restaurant and named it Smokey's Coffeeshop in the San Fernando Valley. After several years in California, Beulah moved back to Arizona and lived in Clay Springs in the mid 1970's. She and Smokey were later hired to run the Hondah Restaurant on the Apache Reservation, which they did successfully for many years. After retiring, Beulah settled back in Clay Springs and truly was able to enjoy her family and many friends. She looked forward to spending time quilting with her friends. She always added so much to any gathering they had. Beulah also looked forward to her long morning walks, everyday. Those years in Clay Springs were wonderful years for her. Beulah loved to travel, too. She and Smokey toured Africa, Hawaii and countless other trips throughout the United States. It was one of her favorite things to do. In 1988 Beulah went through the Mesa, Arizona Temple and received her own endowments. She loved the temple and went as often as she could. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Always willing to serve wherever and whenever needed, Beulah enjoyed her calling as the Ward Sunday School Secretary. She enjoyed reading her scriptures and when she was able, Beulah would write in her journal daily. Due to her declining health, Beulah moved to Payson, Utah about 10 years and was affectionately called "Grandma" by the several nurses and aides that helped care for her. She was always grateful to any assistance given her. This truly gracious lady will be missed by many but, none will miss her more than her own family. Beulah is survived by her son: Johnnie (Phyllis) Keith of Show Low, Arizona; daughter: Janice (Tommy) Ingram of Elk Ridge, Utah; 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by: her husband, Elton "Smokey" Evans; and 3 sons: Lester Eugene Keith, Larry Gene Keith and Alfred Henry Keith. Her funeral service will begin 10:00 A.M., Friday, August 13, 2010 at the Clay Springs Ward Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (right off of Hwy 260, between Clay Springs and Pinedale) where the visitation will begin 1 hour prior. The concluding service and interment will follow at the Show Low Cemetery where she will be laid to rest along side her husband, Smokey.