Beverly Jean Truesdale

Beverly Jean Truesdale, age 84, of Ballwin, Missouri, and formerly of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away peacefully of natural causes on December 17, 2025.

Beverly was born on May 30, 1941, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to John and Henrietta (Curtis) Taylor. She cherished her childhood and often spoke fondly of roller skating through the neighborhood, hot fudge sundaes, and treasured time with her beloved parents. She attended Battle Creek Central High School, where she sang in the choir and earned the nickname “One Note Bev.”

Beverly became a loving mother to her daughter, Kimberly Sue, whom she adored with all her heart. She worked tirelessly to give Kim a joyful upbringing, never skipping ice cream cones after trips to the laundromat and always adding small touches of beauty, like flowers outside their home. Bev lived by the mantra, “It’s not where you live, it’s how you live,” and took great pride in keeping a loving, clean home.

A few years later, John Truesdale, affectionately known as “Hippie John,” entered Bev’s life. He embraced both Bev and Kim, changing their lives for the better. Bev and John fell deeply in love and married in 1969.

The two welcomed their beloved son, James “Jim” William Truesdale, and treasured time together making music, delighting in Jim’s beautiful voice, and sharing his love of basketball, football, and baseball. John proudly coached all of Jim’s teams, while Beverly served as the scorekeeper and very vocal fan.

They purchased their first home on 29th Street: a house that became legendary in the neighborhood for its warmth, lively games in the pool, and an unforgettable luau party. Their home was always open to neighbors, friends, and family, especially during holidays. John built the backyard fence by hand, Bev adored her green kitchen, and the sounds of spirited Skiboo games filled the air.

Beverly chose work that kept her close to family and friends, including jobs at Dairy Queen, a turkey factory, and later the cafeteria at Western Michigan University, where she could keep an eye on Kim.

Beverly was fiercely competitive. She never let Jim’s friends win at badminton and never lost a game of Scrabble to her grandchildren. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures: caring for her yard, going out for breakfast, and chatting with neighbors who quickly became friends. Above all, she treasured time with her family.

After John passed, Bev found love later in life with William “Bill” Strong. Together they shared a cabin on Garfield Lake in Michigan, filling their days with boat rides and laughter with friends and family.

In 2005, they moved to Missouri so Bev could help raise her grandchildren, Abigail Louise and Zachary McLindon. She was the very best grandmother: waking the kids with songs, never missing a McDonald’s drive-through, playing house with Abigail, and car wash with Zach. Their time together was filled with love and laughter.

Beverly is survived by her children, Kimberly (Clint) Gawart and James Truesdale; and her grandchildren, Abigail Gawart and Zachary Gawart.

Beverly took great pride in the fact that two weeks before her passing, she quit smoking after 64 years :)

Visitation for family and friends will be held beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service celebrating Beverly’s life at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek.

Personal messages and memories may be shared with the family at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.