It is with great sadness that the family of Beverly Jean Foley, Age 81, passed away on October 29, 2021 following injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on October 18, 2021. She passed peacefully in hospice care and was constantly surrounded by family for the duration of her stay. She was born on August 20, 1940 in Miller, SD to Otto and Nellie (Walton) Jacobsen.

Beverly Foley was always a trailblazer in life. At six years old she lost her father, who was a World War 1 combat veteran. At that time, Beverly’s mother sold the farm and moved into town. She graduated high school in Miller and later attended college where she attained her Associates degree.

Then, in a stunning move of courage, Beverly joined the United States Army as a member of the military police. While serving her country as one of the 1st female MP’s, she formed lifelong friendships and a deep sense of service and sacrifice. Later she went on to start her own family.

Beverly was united in marriage to Joseph Edgar Foley on July 13, 1973, in Philip, South Dakota and dedicated her life to being a mother and rancher. She often referred to those years on the ranch as truly the most remarkable years of her life. Beverly’s thirst of knowledge led her to go back to school where she attained her Bachelor’s degree at 52 years old. She then began working for Berkley Administrators in Pierre SD as an Auditor for Workers’ Compensation Insurance where she was able to travel to different areas of the state on a weekly basis. She always loved traveling and would tell you that she has driven on every road there is in South Dakota. This job was a perfect fit for her and she eventually retired in 2002.

After losing her husband to cancer on September 23, 1995, she struggled with the loneliness of missing her soulmate but renewed her dedication to her children and grandchildren, spending the next 26 years in the role of mother and grandmother.

One of her favorite songs was “Standing Outside the Fire” by Garth Brooks and her favorite book was “Atlas Shrugged” by Ann Rand. She also enjoyed reading books by her favorite author, Charles Dickens. Her favorite movie was “Secretariat” and she could sit all day watching Western shows or movies. A couple of her favorite actors include James Arness (Matt Dillon) and John Wayne. Beverly really enjoyed ice cream (chocolate, of course), but she especially liked the ice cream at Zesto in Pierre. She enjoyed nutty bars and her absolute favorite treat, a Mocha Frappe from McDonalds. Beverly enjoyed sitting around the table with family playing board games or card games and loved family gatherings during the holidays. A few of her favorite games with family included Cribbage, Scrabble, RACK-O, and a good long game of Stock Market. If she was playing solo, she loved playing solitaire. She loved her entire family and dedicated many hours to her children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Beverly was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. We celebrate her life and find joy and comfort knowing she is reunited with her soulmate, Joseph, who she can now waltz across heaven with, as well as others that preceded her to heaven.

Beverly is survived by her children Michael (Sandra), Jodi, William, John, and Lisa Foley; her grandchildren Paige Miller, Jeremy (Nikole) Miller, Seth, Sean, Joselynn, Katelynn, Dylan, Jonnie, Jaycie, Wyle, Kaleb and Marissa Foley. She is also survived by 2 great grandchildren Gage Miller and Veyda Foley and 3 special nephews, who she considered brothers, Simon, Dick, and Jim Menning.

Beverly was preceded in death by her husband Joseph; daughter Kathryn Miller; her parents, Otto and Nellie, her siblings Delilah (Menning), Carl, and Bill Jacobsen; and most recently a special nephew Leo Menning, who she considered a brother.

Cards and memorials may be sent to 603 N Euclid Avenue #1 Pierre, SD 57501.


Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 7, at the American Legion Hall in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment with military honors will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.