Myra Gilkey

Myra Beatrice Wambach Gilkey

November 25, 1931 – November 11, 2025

Joyously reunited with her Savior and loved ones in heaven

Myra “Bebe” Gilkey, 93, of Billings, Montana, passed away on November 11, 2025, into the loving arms of her Savior. Born on November 25, 1931, in Circle, Montana, to Mary Watson McClellan Wambach and Alphonse Joseph Wambach, Myra was the fifth of seven children and was endearingly nicknamed “Bebe”, a name that would follow her throughout her life.

Upon graduating from high school in Poplar, Montana, Bebe completed her teaching training in Dillon, Montana, and took her first teaching position in the remote Bearpaw Mountains. She often recounted spending her first night in the teacherage being abruptly awakened by the sound of screaming women, only to discover it was mountain lions prowling nearby. Quite a rude awakening for a young 19-year-old girl alone in the isolated Montana mountains.

Bebe later began teaching in Bear Springs, Montana, where she met the love of her life, a young farmer named Robert “Bob” Gilkey. On the crystal-cold day of December 26, 1951, Robert and Myra were united in marriage at the Methodist Church in Denton, Montana, surrounded by loved ones. Though the power was out across the valley that frigid day, warm hearts gathered to celebrate their union.

Through their marriage, they raised three children: Kraig (Katrina) Gilkey of Sterling, Colorado; Karmal (Mark) Verzatt of Billings, Montana; and Marina (Dean) Krob of Surprise, Arizona. Bebe loved life on their ranch in Hobson, Montana, raising her family there. In 1980, they sold their beloved ranch and moved to Three Forks, Montana, to pursue a new adventure in farming. In 2016, they sold their home and farm and retired in Billings to be closer to their daughter Karmal.

Bebe was artistic, musical, evangelistic, an avid scholar, and a devoted homemaker, helpmate, and mother. Bob and Bebe shouldered life together for 69 years until Bob passed in June 2020. Never was there a more devoted mate. Life brought both joy and challenges, and during the storms, mother was a solid anchor. She taught her family to stay under the safe wing of the Holy Spirit and ride through life’s storms safely in His care. The Lord never failed to provide exactly what was needed.

If you knew Bebe, Grandma Bebe, or Aunt Bebe, you know you were loved beyond measure. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. Her nieces and nephews were bright lights in her heart. Her brothers and sisters, whether by blood or marriage, were her best friends. She and Bob loved people, and their home was always open to whoever stopped by. Warm cinnamon rolls, delicious pancakes, and hot coffee were always ready to share, and if they were fortunate, they could talk you into staying longer to share a meal. If you were a part of their life, they loved you.

It is both Robert and Myra’s greatest desire for you to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, for that is how you will continue this relationship beyond this earth. If Bob and Bebe loved you in this earthly life, how much more does Jesus Christ love you and yearn to know you in a personal way. This day does not have to be the end of a chapter but the beginning of a new life in Christ Jesus—one that goes on into eternity.

John 6:40 “For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

Myra is survived by her three children, 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, sister Maxine Melton, brother Milton Wambach, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Myra Beatrice Gilkey was preceded in death by her daughter Ruth Delger (2021), husband Robert Lauren Gilkey (2020), brothers Marion Wambach, Marvin Wambach, and Miles Wambach, and sister Marjory Todd.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Myra’s name to the Franklin Graham Ministry or a ministry of your choice.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. The service will be live streamed at https://boxcast.tv/view/myra-gilkey-vakhz24ibw3oxj3mukma