Beverly Jean Long

Beverly Jean Long, 88, passed away the morning of January 15, 2025, in Cody, Wyoming. She was surrounded by her family when she left her world of pain and went to meet her Lord.

Beverly was born in Rawlins, Wyoming to John “Bus” and Hildred “Higgie” Lake on September 1, 1936. She spent her youngest years at her parents’ bakery, watching and learning to frost cakes and bake delicious food—a skill that remained with her throughout her life. She enjoyed playing with her cousins and was always surrounded by a close extended family. When Beverly was 15, her baby sister Jeannine was born, and Beverly cared for and adored her sister throughout Jeannine’s life. They spent their weekends and holidays—sun, rain, or snow—at their cabin in the mountains outside Encampment, Wyoming, and to this day, that campground is Beverly’s family hub.

In 1955, Beverly married Gene Oxford and had two children, Cory (in 1961) and Janalyn (in 1963), and they raised their children in Saratoga, WY throughout their marriage which lasted 21 years. Later, she met the man she would spend the rest of her life with—Bert Lee Long. Bert and Bev married in 1978 and were best friends, partners, and loving spouses for the next 46 years.

Beverly worked as a bookkeeper for many businesses over the years, and when she and Bert eventually settled in Riverton, Wyoming, Beverly assumed that role for the family business, L & L Productions, until she retired. But retirement didn’t slow her down! The couple traveled across the western U.S., from Colorado to Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California, visiting family and seeing the sites. At home, Bev spent her time taking line dancing classes (then teaching the dances she learned to her daughter and granddaughters in her living room), hosting coffee club for her friend-group, playing Bunko, and serving in P.E.O. Bert and Bev often spent the winter months in Mesquite, Nevada, where they had a lovely community of friends. Yes, there was a line dancing class in Mesquite, too!

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, beloved aunts and uncles, her little sister Jeannine Lake, and her daughter-in-law, Brenda Payne-Oxford.

She is survived by her husband Bert; her son Cory Oxford of Saratoga, WY; daughter Janalyn (Dave) Shultz of Cody, WY; bonus-daughters Laurel (John) Scarborough and Vickie (Calvin) Olsen of California; several grandchildren, bonus-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her family will forever be grateful for the legacy she left of love, family, and true beauty—inside and out.

Beverly’s Celebration of Life will be held the summer of 2025 at the family cabin in Encampment WY.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home in Riverton.