Beverly Ann Thurston, age 96, of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2026. Beverly was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is with heavy hearts, yet a sense of profound peace, that we share the news of the passing of our beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Beverly Thurston. At the age of 96, she entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Beverly was preceded in passing by her beloved husband, Robert Thurston, and her mother Eileen Adamson.
Beverly (Bev) is survived by her children, Sandra Rodriguez, Mark (Sherrill) Thurston, Scott (Doreen) Thurston, Greg (Cheryll) Thurston, Jamie (Amy) Thurston, Dani Thurston; grandchildren, Stephanie, Joshua, Laura, Tim, Katy, Kiera, Zeke, Leighton, Shauna, Nathan, Natalie; 11 great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.
Bev grew up in Minneapolis after moving from Utah as an infant. Due to her absent father, her maternal grandfather became her fatherly figure. Bev married Robert (Bob) Warren Thurston on November 28, 1953. Bob and Bev lived in a few different locations before settling in Fridley, MN. In 1961, where they would raise their six children. Her love for Bob was always evident up to his passing in 2024. Bob and Bev enjoyed more than 70 years together as Husband and Wife. Bev lived a life defined by a kind and compassionate heart. A graduate of the University of Minnesota with a teaching degree, her career reflected her deep love for children. Early on, she even had the privilege of teaching kindergarten to future Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton. Later, she lovingly led multiple daycares for 20 years, nurturing and encouraging countless young lives. Her Christian faith was the foundation of everything she did. She had a passion for teaching the Bible and was able to travel to Israel twice to participate in archaeological digs. Her greatest desire was for her family to know Christ as their Savior. Beverly also had a unique gift for bringing joy to others. Through her “Kitchen Cutups” comedy programs, she shared laughter at libraries, nursing homes, and community gatherings. She further delighted children with her creative puppet shows and storytelling. Known for her spicy personality, generous spirit, and compassion for the underdog, she left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Family was her greatest earthly treasure. Though she faced the challenges of hearing loss and the isolation that can come with aging, her love for her family never wavered. We will fondly remember her quick wit and her cherished traditions, cranberry sherbert and gumdrop bread, curry chicken and chocolate-covered cherries, knitting and her love for dogs. While we grieve her absence, we rejoice in knowing she is whole again, reunited with the love of her life, and hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” “The righteous will be remembered forever.” — Psalm 112:6
Please join us for Bev’s Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Edinbrook Church, 4300 Edinbrook Parkway, Brooklyn Park. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and a luncheon will follow. Private Interment will take place at Morningside Memorial Gardens.
