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Mary Phyl "MP" Bever Studer, 88, passed away recently, leaving behind a lifetime defined by a fierce, compassionate heart and a quick, unfiltered tongue that always kept her family and friends on their toes. She was a woman who cared deeply for others and never hesitated to tell it like it was.
Born on Jan. 10, 1938, in Powell, Wyoming, MP was the cherished daughter of James "Jim" Phil Bever and Mary Elizabeth Floan Bever. As the very first child and grandchild, she was the absolute apple of everyone’s eye. Her roots ran deep in the Big Horn Basin; her grandparents were original early 20th-century homesteaders whose 1911-1913 Bever Homestead house stands preserved today as a permanent exhibit at the Homesteader Museum in Powell.
Her childhood was filled with travel and fond memories — including time with relatives in California, where her protective family carefully hid the newspapers so young MP wouldn't read about the harrowing, near-fatal grizzly bear attack involving her father and grandfather — an ordeal in which her dad nearly lost his life and quite literally had his butt chewed off.
MP went on to attend the University of Wyoming, graduating as a proud member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. On Aug. 20, 1960, she married Robert Raymond Studer in Casper, Wyoming, and together they built a family of seven children before later divorcing.
Tragedy struck when their fourth child, Colette Louise — the spark plug fondly known as "Tornado Lady" — was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension at a young age. Though Bob and MP traveled the country seeking care before medical technology could save her, Colette passed away on July 11, 1977, at just 10 years old. Channeling her immense grief into purpose, MP recognized the financial and emotional toll on families traveling for medical treatment. Alongside her friend Nancy Whitmer, she spearheaded a tireless campaign to build a Ronald McDonald House in Billings. Determined to see it through, MP dragged CEOs into submission, frequently bringing her toddler son, Luke, into executive boardrooms as leverage when daycare wasn't an option. Her strategy worked: the House opened its doors in 1982.
MP’s passion for her community extended everywhere. She was a dedicated supporter of Billings Central Catholic Schools fundraising events, such as Mayfair and the ever-popular magazine drives. She shared her love for creativity as a volunteer art educator at the Yellowstone Art Museum. Her volunteer spirit also took her to Meals on Wheels — a stint her children remember vividly after she dragged them along to deliver meals and made them scrub down the nicotine-stained walls of a heavy smoker's house because the smell was simply unbearable.
Later in life, she discovered a natural calling in floral sales at Gainan’s Flowers, quickly becoming the go-to expert for weddings and funerals. Known for her ahead-of-the-curve style, she famously maintained that baby's breath had no business being in a high-quality floral arrangement.
An avid golfer who loved the outdoors, MP was happiest spending time at her family’s cabin outside Cooke City, Montana. She was a wonderful cook, best known for her epic breakfasts featuring legendary huckleberry pancakes. She also treasured traveling the world, including an unforgettable trip to Europe with her son Steve, with whom she shared a deeply special bond.
MP was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Mary Elizabeth; her brother, James Floan Bever; her sister, Roberta Jean (Bever) Jones; her former husband, Robert Raymond Studer; her beloved daughter, Colette Louise Studer; her cherished son, Steven Raymond Studer; her grandson, Matthew Richard Francis Boyer; and her son-in-law, Jack Melvin Boyer.
She is survived by her sisters, Barb (Bever) Beavers and Carol (Bever) Johnston; her children, Renee Boyer, Kurt (Wendy) Studer, Mathew Studer, Niki (Richard) Naughton, and Luke (Anna) Studer; as well as her cherished grandchildren, Marcus, Mitchell, Michael, Parker, Madison, Abigail, Ivey, Emma, Josselyn, Mathew Jr., Cassidy Ann, Mackenna, Jake and Delaney.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at MorningStar Senior Living, who took such exceptional care of MP and gave her children immense peace of mind in her final days.
In keeping with MP’s explicit wishes, there will be no traditional funeral. Instead, family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of life at Jake’s Bar and Grill (2425 Gabel Road) on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 5-7 p.m. Drop in to raise a glass and share a favorite story. A private family service will be held at a later date at her beloved cabin near Cooke City. In lieu of flowers — and with a strict ban on baby’s breath — memorial donations may be made in MP’s honor to the Ronald McDonald House of Billings or the Homesteader Museum in Powell, Wyoming.
