Beverly Oyler

In all things, Bev Oyler gave it her all. A devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and dedicated friend, Bev lived life fully and completely enjoying the company of those she loved and cared about. Bev lived by her faith and was a true example. Selfless, she gave freely, cared abundantly, and worked hard her whole life through. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for all she was and for all she lovingly gave. During the Roaring Twenties, sounds of progress could be heard throughout the nation as industry was booming. A time plenty in America, a sense of gaiety filled the air from music to the big screen, and baseball greats set all time records. Beverly entered this bustling world on April 26, 1924 into the loving arms of William and Catherine Purper. Born in the shoreline town of Muskegon, Michigan, Beverly was the youngest of three girls, joining older sisters Doris and Gloria. Muskegon was a booming industrial town and Bevs father worked at the Brunswick Corporation to provide for his family while her mother remained at home with the girls as a homemaker. Living on Division Street, the close proximity to the lake and parks provided much recreation for Bev and her sisters growing up. As the baby of the family, Bev was protected by her sister's Gloria and Doris. They always looked out for Bev and if you messed with their little sister, then one had better watch out for Gloria and Doris. As a young girl, Beverly attended the local schools and became quite active at Nelson School. As she grew into a young woman, attending dances and movies was a big part of the girls lives. One time Bev and a friend even hitchhiked to the Benton Harbor area to attend a dance. She soon realized she placed herself in harms way and used that very experience to warn her children and later grandchildren of things not to do. As the Great Depression cast a shadow across the nation, industrial towns struggled and Muskegon was no exception. Although Bev went on to attend Muskegon High School, she dropped out of school three months shy of graduating due to her parents divorce and to help financially. Not completing high school bothered Bev a great deal, and well into her adulthood. In her 60s, Bev finally went back to school and graduated, an accomplishment she was very proud of. Beverly continued to live at home and found work in the office at the Brunswick Corporation. After much coaxing, Bev agreed to a blind date with a friend of the apple delivery man. Meeting Willard Oyler was the best thing that ever happened to Bev and the two became quite smitten. After courting for a time, Bev and Willard became husband and wife on February 12, 1944. They made their home together in a house on Willards family farm where his parents lived as well. Their farm was over 60 acres, and being the city girl that she was, Bevs family had doubts whether she could adjust to a life of farming. They lived a good five miles from town on a long dirt road in what seemed like the middle of nowhere. Somewhat comical at times, Bev wore elbow length gloves to retrieve eggs from the chicken coop, and even politely asked the hens to move to do so! Although it took Bev some time to adjust, she prevailed and learned the ropes of farming with the patience of her beloved Willard by her side. Willard not only worked the farm but held a job in one of the local factories, too. Willard always wanted a large family and Beverly did what she could to make good on that request. They eventually welcomed five children, and Carol, Bill, Chuck, Cathy and Jim were the delight of Bevs life. She was a loving and attentive mother while instilling in them the value of hard work. With plenty to do around the house and farm, they each had their share of chores. With eggs to get, cows to milk, butter to churn, canning to be done, horses to care for and gardening to do, hard work was plentiful. To keep their house warm in the colder months, fire wood needed to be cut and stacked, too. For recreation, they enjoyed long Sunday drives looking at large farms. Willards dream was to have a big spread of land one day. Sundays also meant very large Sunday meals together lovingly prepared by Bev. There was always enough to go around living on a farm, but Bev could always make a little go a long way. Everyone was welcome at Bevs table, and it made for a special treat on Saturday night when they had root beer, hamburgs and watched Gun Smoke on television. Saturday was the day for slaughtering chickens and plucking, and the chore day for washing the milk buckets. All of their vegetables and beef came from the farm and their hogs and goats provided much. One time, daughter Catherine, along with her goats, were in a sorry place when her brother Chuck found her goats loose, having destroyed much of his 180 cabbage plants. When there was little left to do on the farm, they picked blueberries from the farm across the street, and did so from time to time to earn extra money. During thrashing season, neighbors and friends pitched in for each other. A large lunch was prepared by the ladies and everyone picnicked on the lawn where enjoyable times were shared by all. Bev enjoyed having her nieces and nephews stay for the summer where they experienced the joys of farm life. She loved children and this time provided her extended family with a shared bond. The farm was a wonderful place for kids to grow and experience life. When the cows gave birth, the kids would grab a flashlight and go looking for the new born calves that were usually left by the mother cow down by the creek to be protected by the thick brush. Memorable times were spent swimming in the creek, snow sledding during the winter, riding horses and farm tractors to ride. When the children were all in school, Bev went to work at Maple Ridge School which was a one room school, Bev worked as a the janitor where she took great pride in her work. She was involved and giving of her time at church, and with cub and girl scouts, too. Beverly enjoyed a love for traveling but Willard was content being at home on the farm. They did take a few short trips here and there, visiting their daughter Carol in Washington and son Jim in Las Vegas. They enjoyed spending time with Willards sister Lillian and her husband at their summer cottage north in Baldwin. Bev also became very involved at her church, First Evangelical Lutheran, with the Altar Guild, Naomi Circle and the TOPS program they sponsored. For many years, Bev was a faithful participant with the Clock Care Group. Bev and Willard were in their element when grandchildren began entering their lives. They loved them dearly and Bev spoke of them often throughout the years. She treasured each of them. She loved time spent with her granddaughters when they took her out and went shopping. Bev was a lover of the holidays and before one was done she could be found asking when they would all be getting together next. Life for Bev took a drastic turn when Willard was diagnosed with Dementia. She lovingly cared for him for about ten years until it became a struggle. He sadly passed away on February 7, 1998. Tragedy struck once again when on November 13, 2009 Bevs youngest son Jim passed away unexpectedly at the age of 49. When Jim died, it seemed to take the wind out of Bevs sails. Although difficult, Bev carried on but life just wasnt the same for her. As the years began to take their toll on Bev physically, her mind and soul remained sharp. After years of hard work, her body was giving out. She underwent many surgeries to repair her body, and in fact two days prior to her death she discussed with her doctor a surgery to repair her shoulder. Sadly, at the age of 85, Beverly Oyler died on Saturday, March 27, 2010. She lived by her faith and had a tremendous love for Jesus. Bev lived by example, and although stubborn at times, she gave whole heartedly in everything she did. Known as Mom to many, Bev will be fondly missed and remembered. SURVIVORS: Two sons, Willard (Peggy) Oyler of Virginia and Charles (Terri) Oyler of Muskegon; two daughters, Carol (Brad) Johnson of Virginia and Catharine (Don) Larsen of Muskegon; daughter-in-law, Kathy Oyler; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; her sister, Gloria (Dick) Lang of Fruitport. Besides her husband and son, she was preceded in death by her sister, Doris. SERVICE: Wednesday, March 31, 2010, 11:00 AM at First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Rev. Bill Uetricht officiating. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery. VISITATION: Wednesday, one hour prior to the service at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. MEMORIAL: Mercy VNS Hospice or First Evangelical Lutheran Church Altar Guild. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign her online guest book.