Beverly Jean Harkins Sageser

Beverly Sageser, age 74, passed away on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 with her husband by her side. Bev, as she was known to all, was taken to heaven after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. The faith and inner strength she portrayed throughout her illness was certainly something to behold. Bev was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend and although she was not afraid of death, it was quite apparent she did not want to leave her family.

Bev was born in Loma Linda, California on August 27, 1936, the oldest of three children, to Nadine and Byron Harkins. She spent her early childhood growing up in Beaumont and Pasadena, California. When she was 10 years old, her family settled in Burbank, California where she graduated from John Burroughs High School. While in high school, Bev found her beautiful singing voice and spent time singing in the choir. She also met the love of her life, Bob whom she married in1955 just one year after their high school graduation. They honeymooned in Carmel, California, which became one of their favorite places. Bev and Bob returned to Carmel each year and it quickly became “their place” during the 56 years they were married.

During the first several years of marriage, Bev worked in banking before having children, at which time she chose to remain home to take care of her family. She found great joy in being a mother to her three daughters. She created a warm, loving home environment and was a strong influence in her daughters’ lives, teaching them solid morals and principals while providing spiritual guidance as well. She also had a passion for baking and her baked goods (especially her pies) garnered many a compliment from family and friends. She was very talented with cake decorating as well and seemed to produce the most beautiful cakes for any occasion. She was told many times that she should open her own bakery; however, she was very content just baking at home. In addition, Bev was a wonderful seamstress and made many outfits for her girls over the years.

Later on, Bev and Bob became enchanted with the little town of Ojai, California and soon afterwards relocated from Burbank to Ojai where they have lived for 33 years. Shortly after arriving in Ojai, they took up tennis and enjoyed many years as members of the Ojai Racquet Club where they developed many close friendships. Bev also found her passion for designing and decorating houses, which she put to good use during the building of their two custom homes.

Bev is survived by her husband, Bob; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Ted; daughters, Teri and Kristy; brother and sister-in-law, Barry and Kyong; and sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Larry. She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Ashley, Chad, Bryant and Sara, as well as many nieces and nephews. Bev was preceded in death by her father, Byron, and mother, Nadine.

A private memorial service is being held Sunday, February 13 to celebrate Bev’s wonderful life. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her, but her loving spirit and kindness will live on in the hearts of the countless people whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, Bev’s family requests that donations be made to Silent Unity, 1901 NW Blue Parkway, Unity Village, MO 64065-0001.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be made at www.tedmayrfuneralhome.com.