Beverly Grace Knox

Born Feb. 11, 1934 to Grace and Wayne Knox in rural southeast Kansas, Beverly was one of three siblings raised on a 160-acre farm where the early years were spent living simply, raising wheat and corn, cattle and pigs and riding horses.

Beverly developed polio at the age of 11, spending nearly a year hospitalized. After being told she would never walk again, Beverly defied the odds, training her body to allow her the strength to walk with the aid of crutches. She pursued higher education, earning a master’s degree; married; and built a successful career as a family counselor.

She swam, gardened, traveled and created lasting friendships, particularly during the many years she lived in Indiana, meeting and making memories with people there who became so close to her heart that she considered them to be her family.

As one close friend remembered: “During her years in Evansville, Beverly graciously shared her wisdom and loving concern with her clients, her friends and her family. Her determination to participate fully in all aspects of her living, regardless of the effects of polio, inspired all who knew her. Beverly loved a good party - whether hosting or attending - and she never missed an opportunity to express the joy of her life with her contagious deep laughter.”

Another remembered her as “an inspiration who didn’t let polio control her life”, who went through life with a “positive and sweet personality and smile.” And another shared this: “I think of Bev's life as a kind of patchwork quilt of relationships that were deeply meaningful and enriched the lives of us all.”

Beverly is survived by her sister Carol Heiss of Overland Park, Kansas and many nieces and nephews, as well as step-daughter Debbie Jeffries. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, brother Randall Knox, and husband David Boutwell.

At Christmas, drinking mimosas and wearing a bright red hat she embossed with a feather and a small elf pin, Beverly wrote this guidance for her family: “Remember that happiness is a means of travel ... not a destination.”

Beverly’s gifts continue even after her death as she donated her body to medical research.

She was well loved and will be dearly missed.