Beverly Ann Rector

Beverly Rector passed away on June 23 in Lakewood after complications from a fall and broken hip. She was 89, and is survived by her sister Joan, her step-daughters, Jodie and Laura, and many nieces and nephews.

Bev was born in 1931 in Lincoln, Nebraska, and spent much of her childhood growing up in Denver with her three siblings: Shirley, Joan, and Jim. Her love for sports and the outdoors showed itself early, as she was very active. Bev took part in many river rafting expeditions, including the Colorado River, the Arkansas, and the Rogue. She enjoyed skiing a great deal- at times water skiing, and she was a very strong snow skier. Later in life, her love became golf, where she became a very strong player, even enjoying a Hole-in-One! Another passion for Beverly was travel. This was seen in countless trips to explore the mountains through rafting and hiking, driving the entire Western US with her husband Art in their RV, the Bounder, and trips with family members.

Really, it was through sports and travel that Bev enjoyed her real passion: family and friends she loved so dearly. For her, it wasn’t about rafting a river or skiing a slope, but being surrounded by people she loved. Driving back and forth to Arizona with Art was not just going to a warmer climate, but enjoying life with her husband and meeting up with friends. Through a series of ‘Sister-O-Rama’ trips, Beverly spent wonderful and valuable time with her siblings as she saw places like the Gulf Coast, San Antonio, and Jackson’s Hole, Wyoming. There were also several cruises to places like Alaska and Mexico with close family. One of the last trips Bev took with Art was a cruise to see the Panama Canal, shortly before his passing in 2004.

Over the last several years, Beverly has continued to center her life around people and the Lord, working with different groups and projects at Peace Lutheran. She was always willing to reach out and contact a church member who needed encouragement, and visit a friend who was feeling lonesome. Bev led an extraordinary life and touched many people in such an important way. She will be missed a great deal by friends and family.