Beverly "Smiley" Huston

Beverly J. Huston, 72, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Austin, MN, surrounded by her loving family after a long and courageous battle with chronic health conditions. While our hearts ache to have lost her far too soon, we are deeply grateful that she is finally at peace. Though she is no longer with us, Bev’s strength, her radiant smile, and her joyful spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 19, at 2:00 p.m. at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea, MN, with visitation one hour prior.

Born on September 2, 1953, at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, MN, Bev was the beloved daughter of Melvin and Mary (Loverink) Waalkens. She grew up in Hayward and Clarks Grove and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1971. On April 21, 1972, she married her high school sweetheart, Lynn Huston. From the moment they met, Lynn called his bride “Smiley”—a name that followed her through life and perfectly captured the light she brought into every room. Together they built a beautiful life, made even richer by their son David and later their grandson Cody, who brought them immeasurable joy.

Bev, Lynn, and David spent several years living in San Diego while Lynn served in the U.S. Navy. Although she missed her Minnesota family dearly, Bev cherished the friendships she made and the adventures their California years brought. When Lynn’s service ended, they returned home to Minnesota and settled in rural Austin.

Bev poured her heart into being a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, yet she also found great meaning in her career. She worked for several years at the Hormel Corporate Office, but spent most of her professional life at the Freeborn County Department of Human Services as a Child Support Officer. Her compassion, commitment, and kindness were evident to all who worked alongside her.

Her interests were as warm and vibrant as her personality. Bev especially loved decorating for the seasons—Christmas being her absolute favorite. Her home sparkled with Christmas joy: beautifully decorated trees, her treasured Santa collection, Nativity sets, Snow Babies, and twinkling lights throughout every corner. She had a special love for vintage Christmas décor, and her home always reflected the wonder she felt for the season. She also treasured her copper collection—most lovingly gifted by her son—which held a special place in her heart and home.

Bev enjoyed bowling leagues, hosting gatherings, trying new recipes, and collecting FiestaWare, antique dishes, and jewelry—many pieces chosen by Lynn, and some joyfully chosen by Bev herself. Later in life, she found a new passion in quilting. With great patience and love, she created beautiful quilts, table runners, pillowcases, baby blankets, and more. Sharing her handmade gifts with the people she loved brought her tremendous joy.

She loved adventures—especially family trips to Branson, where she never missed her favorite stop at Kringles Christmas Shop. She cherished annual “up North” trips with her extended family, as well as unforgettable travels to Hawaii and an Alaskan cruise with Lynn. Bev shared a special bond with her sister, Babe, who was not only a sibling but also her closest friend. Their Saturdays spent going to craft shows, antique shopping, and sharing lunch were filled with laughter, stories, and sisterly love.

Bev was someone who always kept family connected—remembering details, sharing stories, attending every gathering she could, and making sure no one ever felt forgotten. She adored her many friends, and even during her hardest health challenges, she continued to share uplifting messages on Facebook, offering encouragement to others despite her own struggles. We truly lost one of the best.

In her later years, Bev faced significant health challenges with grace and courage. She was deeply grateful for the prayers, love, and support of her family and friends—and especially for Lynn, who cared for his beloved “Smiley” with unwavering devotion. One of her greatest joys this past summer was celebrating the marriage of her son and daughter-in-love, David and Marlene.

Bev is lovingly remembered by her husband, Lynn C. Huston; her son and daughter-in-law, David and Marlene Huston; her grandson, Cody Huston (Cassie); two bonus granddaughters and three great-grandchildren gained through David and Marlene’s marriage—Alix LeBarron (Justin) and their boys Bradley and Elliot, and Shelby Kreamer (Travis) and their daughter Lucy; her sister-in-law, Judy Waalkens; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Sheila Dickman; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Mary Waalkens; her brother, John Waalkens; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Reka and Dale Neitzel, Marge and Louie Buckmaster, and Babe and Larry Enderson; her parents-in-law, Charles and Margaret Huston; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Brenda and Orin Krause; and nephews Mike Willaby and Nathan Bailey.

Beverly “Smiley” Huston lived a life overflowing with love, laughter, and deep devotion to her family and friends. She will forever be remembered for her beautiful smile, her sparkling personality, and her gift for bringing joy to those around her. As she so often wrote in her Christmas letters, cards, and Facebook posts—she leaves with her final wish to us all: “Peace & Love.”

Memorials are preferred to the Hollandale Cemetery Association.

The service will be live-streamed, and can be watched below, or from the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home You Tube page at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/jXgkYaKWGD4