Beverly Ann Swanson

April 12, 1938 – March 29, 2017

Beverly Ann Swanson was currently living in Beaumont, Ca. with her husband, Arthur Kay Swanson. She recently went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in the very early morning hours on Wednesday, March 29th, 2017.

Beverly Ann Espeland was born on April 12th, 1938 to Maynard & Hildegard Espeland in Watertown, South Dakota. She spent her early years growing up in Montevideo, Minnesota with her siblings, Derald her only brother, and her 3 sisters, Helen, Dorothy and Mary. Her parents then moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota where she spent the rest of her childhood and went on to graduate from Washington High School in 1956.

Beverly met Arthur at a birthday party at the tender age of 14 and Art was 16 at that time. They developed a strong love for one another which carried them into their high school years as high school sweethearts. Their date life consisted mostly of attending youth socials together through the church. On June 22, 1957 Beverly married Arthur K Swanson.

Art and Beverly had 3 children, Mark Vernon, Sheryl Kay & David Allen. In January of 1962, they moved to California. Art & Beverly started attending First Baptist Church of Yucaipa where Beverly became an active member serving her Lord in various ways. Beverly was involved with the Women’s Missionary Society and enjoyed serving as a decorator for many events in her church and other social occasions. God had given her an eye for color and design and a very creative spirit. She loved studying God’s word and attended Women’s Bible Study Fellowship for 5 years. Beverly went back to school when her children were in high school and graduated as a cosmetologist. She then went to work for a short while as a hair stylist but quickly decided that her newly gained talents were meant for her family!

Beverly was truly known by her children as “The Better Betty Crocker” as she always provided them with homemade bread sandwiches for their lunches, homemade snacks after school and of course best of all, her infamous cinnamon rolls!! Oh and let’s not forget about the homemade chocolate cake with the homemade fudge frosting!! This was a treat that you had to watch very closely that no one would steal the frosting from the top of your cake! Her home was always open for the many friends of her children who in short time started to call her “Mom” as well. Of course the wonderful homemade goodies earned her some great respect!!

Beverly’s talents were endless as were her days as she raised her family in the ways of the Lord. She spent endless nights at her sewing machine sewing clothing for her children and other

organizations that her children were involved in that required costumes for a play or a community event. She absolutely loved being a mother and took on this role with passion and pride. As her children grew up and married their life partners, Beverly continued to grow her talents in the areas she enjoyed. She loved to sing and worship her Lord. She made a decision to take voice lessons to learn how to properly sing. Her talent of singing led her to begin singing solos in church and other events. She especially loved singing classical music for certain retirement homes. Her tender smile was infectious and her touch could penetrate a soul.

As the years went by, Beverly became a grandmother to 8 wonderful grandkids, Caleb, Daniel, Josh, Whitney, Ryan, Nathaniel, Jessica and Kayti and was soon known as “Nana”! She loved this role best of all! She was always thinking of creative ways to spend time with her grandchildren. Hobo parties, pumpkin carving, nature walks and bike rides, Nana enjoyed it all! Beverly made sure that every one of her grandkids felt extremely special whenever she spent time with them whether they were far away or near. When it came time for each grandchild to graduate high school, Beverly designed a unique quilt and allowed each of her grandkids to choose the fabrics of their choice. She lovingly sewed 8 of these quilts, one for each grandchild, and presented it to them at their graduation. (These quilts are displayed downstairs in the fellowship hall for our enjoyment as we fellowship together with a meal after the service.)

Bev then took those scraps that were left over from those quilts and began sewing baby quilts for her future great grandchildren and for any baby that needed a warm blanket to comfort them.

It wasn’t long before Beverly was blessed with 5 Great Grandchildren. Her bounty was full with; Cole, Kaylynn, Abigail, Judah and most recently as of February 19th, Emery David.

Bev’s hands were never idle as she worked continually each day as a servant of God. She strived to do all things as unto her Lord Jesus Christ. Her deepest desire was for all people, especially her family, to know Jesus Christ and to have a deep personal relationship with Him! She was a super prayer warrior and was on her knees a lot!! She was a trustworthy friend, a devoted wife and mother, a loving sister, an enduring Aunt and an AWESOME Nana!!

Beverly’s arms were always open to receive a hurting soul. She listened with great concern and empathy. Bev’s heart was an open door and from that heart poured a sweet aroma, most of the time.

As the years went by, Beverly began to struggle with chronic pain from a bladder condition. She had also developed a condition in her lungs where she struggled at times to breathe. Through all of this, Bev never faltered in her strong faith in Jesus Christ. She continued to do the things that her earthly body would allow her to do regardless of the suffering. She still thought of others and still remained down on her knees in prayer. She spent time listening to her favorite music, the old hymns by Bill and Gloria Gaither. In her final days, she was still thinking of what more she could do for her family and grandchildren. Bev was working feverishly on preserving her family’s memories as each day she put more pictures into the scrapbooks. It was important to her that her family’s ties remain strong and that they would focus on all the blessings that God gives us in this lifetime. She finished her final king size quilt

for her and her sweethearts bed. She said her prayers…….. she slumbered……..she awoke and with one final breath……..Beverly stepped into her new life into the presence of her Amazing Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!!!

(PAUSE)

Beverly has been reunited with many family members including her parents, Maynard & Hildie Espeland, Her sister in law Karen Espeland and a granddaughter, Melinda Kay Weston.

She is survived by her husband, Arthur K Swanson, her children and their spouses, Mark & Cindi, Sheryl & Bob, David & Sandy, her grandchildren and their spouses, Caleb & Megan, Daniel & Heidi, Josh & Shannon, Whitney & Craig, Ryan, Nathaniel, Jessica and Kayti. Her great grandchildren, Cole, Kaylynn, Abigail, Judah and Emery, her siblings, Derald, Helen, Dorothy and Mary.

We, her family, have been blessed to know and love her with all our hearts! We look forward to being reunited with her one day soon!

We love and miss you my darling sweetheart, mom, Nana, sister and we will keep our faith strong until we meet again!!

Arrangements under the direction of Weaver Hughes Mortuary, Yucaipa, CA.