Beverly Jean Warner

Beverly Jean (Fender) Warner of Hickory Corners, MI

     Beverly passed away on February 8, 2024 at Rose Arbor at the age of 86. She was born December 19, 1937 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, daughter of Wilbur and Alice (Leonard) Fender. Beverly graduated from State High School and Western Michigan University. She married her high school sweetheart, David Sergeant Warner on December 28, 1960 at the First United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo; he preceded her in death on December 18, 2019. 

     Beverly was also preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Deborah Elizabeth in 2002; a brother, Donald Fender in 1990; her parents; sister-in-law, Estelle Fender of Kalamazoo; brother-in-law, Andrew Warner of Richland; sister-in-law, Jerrie Ann Hilbert of Kalamazoo; and brother-in-law, J. Michael Hilbert of Grand Rapids. 

     Surviving are nephews and nieces, Russell Fender, Ronald Fender, Kristen Warner, Andrew Warner; special cousins, Elizabeth Dykhouse, John Dykhouse, Mary Eleanor Farrar, Brett and Wendy Warner, Wendy Warner Kimble, Stacey Warner Rietsema; and sister-in-law Maria G. Warner.

     Beverly was a faithful member and Elder of the Yorkville Community Church. She enjoyed singing in the choir, volunteering her many talents with the Women’s Guild, and other projects when needed. 

     The Richland Red Hats was a favorite activity for many years, as was Ladies of the Lake (Gull Lake), where she served as president for two years. Beverly spent fifteen years in the antique business in the Chicago area. She also enjoyed gardening, biking, yoga, working out at the gym, and was an avid reader. She spent hours with her husband, walking the roads around Gull Lake and traveled the world with David. She enjoyed playing Rummikub with her neighbors and having dinner at the Country Culb every Wednesday with Lorraine Cowe, Carol Ticknor, and Nancy Brookens.

     Beverly loved animals and rescued several cats, which then became family members over the years. Uber, her faithful cat, survives her.

     In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place with private interment at Yorkville Cemetery, Richland. A memorial service to celebrate Beverly’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Yorkville Community Church, 11523 East D Avenue, Richland, MI 49083.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to McKay-Dole Library (105 S Webster St., PO Box 215, Augusta, MI 49012), Kalamazoo County Humane Society (4239 S Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49002), Yorkville Community Church (11523 East D Ave., Richland, MI 49083), or perform an act of kindness for someone in memory of Beverly Warner. The family is being served by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Favorite memories and personal messages for the family may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.