Beverly Waldron

As a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, Beverly Waldron never let a day go by that she wasn't giving back to her family, either with her time, support, or encouragement. She chose to surround herself with family and friends and found so much happiness in being with them. Over the years, she was witness to many changes in her life and in the world around her, but through it all, she remained a woman with a strong sense of family and a deep faith in God.

The decade of Beverly’s birth is better known to most of us as the Great Depression. Her parents, Claude and Flossie (Louden) Hoch, lived in the small community of Vicksburg, Michigan and were anxiously awaiting the birth of their first child. While others struggled to make ends meet, Claude was able to support his family with a job at a local paper mill, while Flossie cared for the home and family. On May 28, 1930, they joyously welcomed their new daughter, whom they named Beverly. Beverly later became big sister to her brother, Galen.

Beverly spent most of her life in Vicksburg, where she attended school and was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church. The whole family were members and this strong religious upbringing stayed with Beverly all her life. She attended school through the 8th grade, leaving to find a job and see what else life had to offer.

Always a hard worker, Beverly began cleaning homes for a living. When her mother started an adult foster care home, Beverly just naturally helped out. With such a caring nature, it was the perfect job for her. Through the years, many of the residents were veterans, and they never forgot the warm and caring attention they received while living under the care of Beverly and her mother. Beverly continued her service to others until she retired in her early sixties.

Beverly fell in love with and married Harry Foote, and together they welcomed three children – Violet, Harry, Jr. and Larry. Sadly, Harry, Jr. died when he was just a few days old. Beverly and Harry later divorced and she married Raymond Waldron, adding another daughter to the family, Carol. When this marriage also came to an end, Beverly decided she had had enough of marriage, but not of companionship. This she found in Leeland McCurly and they remained together for many years.

Beverly loved being Leeland’s partner, not only in life but also on the dance floor. They enjoyed line dancing and gliding across the floor at the old Leon Ballroom in Leonidas. Born with a natural green thumb, Beverly filled their home with glorious houseplants. Flower gardens decorated her yard and she could often be found there, diligently pulling weeds. An accomplished seamstress, she made boxes and boxes of clothes for her granddaughters’ dolls.

Spending time with her family was Beverly’s favorite pastime. She played Dominos at the Grange with her daughter Carol and Tic Tac Toe with the grandkids. She not only made doll clothes but made paper dolls, and would sit for hours with the kids, watching their videos.

Having earned her living as a cleaning lady, Beverly’s home was a testament to her skills. Although filled with everything her family ever gave her, each item was neatly displayed on a shelf or hung on the wall. Every available nook and cranny was filled with family pictures. And this love for family extended to others as well. Her kids’ friends never called her “Mrs. Waldron” – it was always “Grandma”, a title she lovingly deserved.

Diagnosed with diabetes many years ago, Beverly passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at Borgess Medical Center. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Visit with Beverly’s family on Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at Life Story Funeral Homes, 409 S. Main St, Vicksburg, where a funeral service will be held on Monday at 2:00 pm. Beverly was preceded in death by an infant son Harry Foote, Jr. and her brother Galen Hoch. Members of Beverly’s family include her children and their spouses: Violet and Stanley Skrzypek, Larry and Judith Foote, and Carol and Ron Schroeder; 6 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandson; her good friend Leeland McCurly and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Please visit Beverly’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral or make a memorial donation.