Born on April 13, 1921, in Brookville, Indiana, she was the daughter of Walter and Mae (Venter) King. On her 18th birthday, April 13, 1939, Bernice married the love of her life, Sheldon Alverson. Together, they built a life centered on hard work, family, and raising four daughters.
In 1957, Bernice and Sheldon moved to a 150-year-old farmhouse—a place she turned into a true home through sheer determination and skill. She took great pride in building fences, painting the entire exterior of the house, and laying every plank of hardwood flooring. Her tenacity and independence defined her.
A devoted homebody with a deep pride for her family, Bernice found joy in hosting family gatherings and reunions. She was known for her remarkable cooking—especially her homemade pies, hand-cut noodles, and her potato salad.
Bernice was a longtime and faithful member of Springhill Presbyterian Church, where she served on many committees and boards.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to those who helped care for Bernice with such love and compassion in her later years: Helen Swango, Joy Oakley, and Lora Oliger, as well as her very special 6-year-old “caretaker,” Maslynn Oliger, who affectionately called Bernice, B. Their presence, meals, friendship, and dedication were instrumental in providing comfort and dignity to Bernice during her final chapter.
Bernice will be remembered as a force of nature—strong and fiercely capable.
Survivors include: daughters, Virginia Howard, Diana (Max) Neimeyer, Carol (Bart) Alverson-Groeneveld, and Katherine Yager; grandchildren, Kelly Gartenhaus, John (Molly) O’Brien, Amy (Charlie) Davis, Erin Neimeyer, Edward Neimeyer, William Neimeyer, Katy LaBarbera and Daniel Yager; great grandchildren, Matthew, Zachary, Lauren, Austin, Emily, Shelby, Lilly, Abby, Kingston, Ethan, Nyla, Julianna, Ross, Gabriel and Richard; great great grandchildren, Rory, Bernice, Elsie, and Crystal.
She was preceded in death by her husband, David Sheldon Alverson; parents, Walter and Mae King; granddaughter, Elizabeth Yager Fox; son in law, Joseph L. Howard; brothers, Robert W. King and Edward R. King; sisters, Alice Busser, Betty Rohlfing, Mary Dudley, Joyce N. King, and Evelyn Weber.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at the Springhill Presbyterian Church on Monday, July 14, 2025 from 10:30 am until the time of the Funeral at 12:00 pm. Rev. Jerran Jackson will be officiating. Burial will follow at the Springhill Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Church or to the Springhill Cemetery Association. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com
