Beverly Ruth Ghrist

Beverly Ruth Nelson was born November 29, 1936 in the rural farm town of Olean, NY. When she was in the second grade, her family moved to Jamestown, NY. During her childhood, Beverly spent a good deal of time in Cleveland Clinic because of severe bronchial problems, but it was during this time that she was inspired to become a nurse.

After graduating high school, Beverly, accompanied by her parents, drove to Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago where she would spend three years in nurse's training (one year earning Student of the Year Award). She was stopped at a traffic light while driving her brother's hot rod once when a police officer revved his engine at her. After she left him in the dust, he pulled her over and asked, "What's in that thing?" To which she responded, "An engine!"

It was during her time in Chicago that a classmate asked Beverly to go on a blind date with her and her boyfriend. That night, at a restaurant in Arlington Heights, Beverly met Jim Ghrist, a US airman on a brief leave. Jim called Beverly the next day from the train depot, and Beverly, living on a 40-person dormitory floor with one public telephone, happened to be walking past the phone when Jim called asking if he could write to her from overseas. He wrote faithfully everyday until one day, he asked if he could call her on his next pay day. This call was a marriage proposal and the beginning of a nearly fifty-year marriage.

After they married, Jim and Bev moved to Des Plaines, IL where their two sons, Dave and Don, were born. Jim was a machinist and Bev a head nurse in the nursery ward of the hospital; however, they made sure to always work alternating shifts so the boys were never without their parents. One day, Jim called from work with an announcement: "We're moving to California!" Bev was ecstatic. They had often talked about moving to California "someday."

Orange County would be where they called home and raised their family. Bev worked as head nurse at various medical facilities after raising the boys. She truly cared about her patients and was often invited into her patients' homes after they were discharged. The family attended Lutheran Church of the Master in La Habra for many years where she faithfully taught Sunday school in the primary grades. Later, they attended Rose Drive Friends Church where Bev and Jim were a integral part of the church community.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Beverly Ghrist will remember her as a spirited Swede who loved her church, her family, her God and made a memorable impact on the countless lives she touched.

"...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." ~Romans 6:23b

The Ghrist family greatly appreciates the many acts of love shown to them these past days including your presence here today.

Reception following service is at the home of Donald and Jill Ghrist.

3721 Camino Vista Lancaster, CA 93536

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