Beth Carr Nagel

HAMILTON - Beth Carr Nagel was born on a ranch on the banks of the Little Missouri River in the Badlands of North Dakota, many miles from the nearest town. Beth was an accomplished cowgirl, riding horseback by herself to country school in first grade and breaking her own pony in third grade.  After high school, Beth graduated beauty school and worked as a hairdresser until she met and married Fred Nagel, of New Salem, North Dakota.

Together Beth and Fred farmed, ranched, milked dairy cows, and ran a livestock dealership. Beth and Fred always wanted a large family, and they went on to raise 7 children. Beth was an equal, hands-on partner on the farm. She enjoyed home improvement projects, using her carpentry skills to build and install new kitchen cabinets. When she and Fred achieved their lifelong dream of building a hand-hewn log home, Beth drew up the floor plans and was onsite daily to help with homebuilding decisions. Later, Beth and Fred opened Prairie View Bed & Breakfast where Beth served her guests a hearty, old-fashioned country breakfast of buttermilk pancakes, eggs, and sausage. After they retired, Beth and Fred moved to New Salem and lived there until Fred’s passing, in 2003. They were married for 56 years. Beth then relocated to a senior living apartment complex in Hamilton, Montana. Beth loved the scenic Bitterroot Valley’s mountain views. She had an active social life, and greatly enjoyed living near her son Jeff.

Beth was a devoted mother who delighted in spending time with her children, 22 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. She especially loved attending their sporting events, often cheering so loudly she became hoarse.

Beth will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was kind, open-hearted and non-judgmental. She disliked gossip and was not shy about letting others know it was wrong. Beth was strong in faith and character, a true role model.

Beth is survived by her 7 children, five sons and daughters-in-law: Clint and Roxanne, Lee and Barb, Clay and Lori, Jeff and Lisa, and Charles and Margaret Nagel; two daughters and sons-in-law: Terry (Dave) Slater and Mary (Calvin) Hoovestol; 20 grandchildren: Michelle, Douglas, Megan, Ondrea, Wade, Amy, Will, Sam, Carson, Connor, Travis, Kelli, Matt, Devin, Brady, Taylor, Riley, C.J., Paige, and Reed; and 28 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; her parents; four siblings; grandsons, Michael and Caleb; and great-grandson, Alex West.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2023, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, in Hamilton, Montana. Reception to follow in the church’s Pastoral Life Center. Memorials may be made in Beth’s name to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, 1825 46th St., Mandan, ND 58554. Condolences for the family may be left at www.dalyleachchapel.com