Beva L. Smith
Beva Louise Evans Coursey Smith, 90, of Kingsland died Oct. 22, 2011, surrounded by four generations of family.
She was born Dec. 15, 1920, in Kansas to a pioneering family.
Born to Frank and Antoinette “Nettie” (Allen) Evans, her 21-year old mother died nine days after childbirth on Christmas Eve. Her young, grieving father gave her to his sister and her husband, Edith Evans and J.M. “Bob” Coursey, to raise.
She attended elementary school near her home, eventually graduating from Elkhart High School in nearby Elkhart, Kan. She maintained lifelong friendships with most of her classmates and helped organize class reunions.
She began her career with the government in the county’s agricultural office, now known as the Farm Service Agency, eventually becoming the office manager, a position she held for many years. Later, she worked in admissions and medical records at Morton County Hospital in Elkhart.
She married Stanton F. Smith on April 20, 1941.
She was a bright and witty individual and an avid gardener. She was a master seamstress, creating beautiful garments for her daughters, elaborate and stylish window coverings, professionally tailored suits and many special costumes for her children and grandchildren. She found great satisfaction in maintaining a nurturing home.
With no close siblings, she and her cousin Nell Harmon Walsh enjoyed a lifelong close relationship.
She was a devout Christian, faithful in church, in Bible reading and in serving others —particularly older people. Her keen wit was seen in her perception and her one-liners. She was an avid letter writer.
She and her husband enjoyed traveling in a recreational vehicle, eventually moving to Kingsland in 1981. They were active members for 25 years at Kingsland First Baptist Church. They were thrilled to celebrate their 70th anniversary in April.
Diagnosed with a terminal illness four months ago, she had few symptoms until the last four days of life, passing quickly and quietly at home. The family wishes to thank Dr. Jack Franklin and registered nurse Ann Minnix, the hospice nursing director for their care.
Survivors include daughters Neva Ruth Eskew and husband Jerry of Kingsland and Shadley Fay Wiegman and husband Glenn of McMinnville, Ore.; grandchildren Kent Eskew of Memphis. Tenn., Brent Eskew and wife Erin of Windsor, Colo., Jindy Eskew of Kingsland, Nathan Wiegman and wife Kristina of Beaverton, Ore., and Timothy Wiegman and wife Shanna of Fort Myers,Fla.; great-grandchildren Jordan and Taylor Eskew, Stanton Eskew and Braden and Shaleigh Tuman.
Her husband died a week after her.
She was preceded in death by her biological and adoptive parents; aunt Marian Allen Fetter; and cousin Nell Walsh.
A joint memorial service for the couple will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Putnam Funeral Home, 145 Texas Ave. in Kingsland, (325) 388-0008.