Beatrice Quill

Beatrice Evelyn Quill, 65, Bismarck, passed away on February 25, 2017. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am Friday, March 3, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E. Divide Ave., Bismarck. She attended elementary and high school in New Leipzig, ND. In 1973, Beatrice received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of North Dakota (UND). In the two years after graduation, she taught English in Traralgon, Australia, as well as traveled to New Zealand and Singapore. Beatrice returned to North Dakota to teach at Willow City and Buxton-Reynolds high schools while completing a UND Masters of Library Science degree in 1978. In 1980, Bea moved to Las Vegas to work as a children’s librarian, including time at the R.E. Tobler Elementary where hundreds of students enjoyed library time with her. As a member of the Board of Trustees of the Nevada Library Association, she served as its President in 1985 and 1996. A fierce advocate for children’s literacy, Bea often wrote, called, or appeared before legislators in an effort to ensure young people were given the opportunity to learn to read. Bea retired in 2004 due to health issues and returned to Bismarck. She enjoyed time with her sister and brother-in-law and attended her niece Kari’s various activities. Holidays were spent in Minot, hosted by her brother and sister-in-law, where she enjoyed time with her nephew, nieces, and extended family. The Bismarck community assisted in her care, which included compassionate caregivers from Arbor House, West Central Human Services, and the Ruth Meiers Home. She truly loved and enjoyed these dedicated individuals. She is survived by her brother, Colman M. (Judy) Quill, Minot; sister, Charlotte Q. (Kent) Olson, Bismarck; her nephew, Ryan Rux, Minot; her nieces, Kymn Quill (Loren) Files, Mankato, MN; and Kari Olson (fiance’ Garrett Todd) Kennewick, WA. Beatrice was preceded in death by her mother, Violet Miracle Quill (1972); father, Colman Quill (1993); and stepmother, Viola Bahm Quill (1998). Memorials are welcome at your local school or public library or child-parent shelters. Electronic donations welcome at Bismarck’s Ruth Meiers Home via http://www.ruthmeiers.org/give.html . Please spend time reading to or with a child.