BEVERLY A. GRAHAM | News, Sports, Jobs – Fort Dodge Messenger

Beverly was born on March 29, 1940, at home in Manson, Iowa, to Adolph and Ardyce Lenz. She was the third of five children, and grew up on the family farm. Bev attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and then Pomeroy Community High School. She was united in marriage with the love of her life, Gene Graham. To them three children were born, Kim, Kathy, and Dean.

After several years in California, Bev and Gene spent most of their married life in Pomeroy. Bev was a homemaker while the children were small. She later worked with Gene in several businesses they owned, Knoke Korral and Pomeroy Hardware. She also managed Adventureland Video in Fort Dodge for several years. Gene passed away in 1987 and Bev then managed Men’s Wear at Von Maur in Des Moines followed by the millinery department at Frost Brothers in San Antonio, TX. After returning to Iowa she worked for Continental Western Life Insurance in West Des Moines from 1989-1994. She then moved to Amarillo, Texas and worked for Western National Life Insurance Company. Upon retirement Bev moved to Dalhart, TX to be closer to family.

Bev’s yard was a source of pleasure for her. She enjoyed decorating it and taking care of her many flowers. She also enjoyed crafts and sewing. Camping with the family and spending time at Twin Lakes whether it be roller skating in her younger years or hanging with family at the cabin when the children were young, were sources of pleasure for Bev. Playing cards was a favorite pastime. She was a member of several card clubs throughout her life and she enjoyed playing with family and friends any time they got together. Bev liked to have the last word which was often a smart aleck comment, and she lived life on her own terms with her dog, Ruby.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, Kim and Bud Juilfs, Wellman, IA, Kathy and Kenny Schmitz, Oxford Junction, IA, and Dean and Gay Graham, Dalhart, TX. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, her sister Ruth Mayhew of Dalhart, TX, her sister and brother-in-law, Corrine and Hilbert Schramm, Amarillo, TX, her brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Jan Lenz, Sac City, IA, and 17 nieces and nephews.

Bev was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, her parents and grandparents, her mother-and-father- in-law, brother Teddy and his wife Donna, a brother-in-law Bob Mayhew, a son-in-law, Dale Holtapp, a niece, a nephew, and numerous other relatives.

In lieu of flowers the family request making a donation to: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church of Dalhart Sound System Fund or S.A.I.N.T.S Trust.