Beverly J. Kolman

Beverly J. Kolman, a labor-delivery nurse at Wesley Medical Center for 40 years, died June 27, 2019 in Wichita. Bev had a good heart, evident to everyone who knew her, including scores of women and families who benefited from her loving care over the years.

Patients and co-workers loved Bev, and she loved them. She was known for skillfully mentoring new nurses, and for always being calm and efficient, even in critical situations.

Bev loved full moons, sunrises, sunsets, nature walks, traveling, running, biking, swimming, hiking, lifting weights, yoga, and competing in triathlons. She ran 20 marathons, including seven Boston Marathons.

Bev was at her best in the triathlon, where she completed numerous Olympic distance triathlons, and four Half Ironmans, usually winning her age group in both competitions.

In recent years, she enjoyed many challenging hikes in Colorado with her husband, Greg Records, and Sage, her beloved Golden Retriever. She also completed an epic hike with friends, summiting three of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic peaks over the course of three nights in the backcountry.

Bev was born Jan. 18, 1956, growing up on a farm outside Washington, Kansas, and graduating from Washington (KS) High School. After attending Kansas State University, she transferred to Wichita State University, where she earned a BSN and a master’s degree in nursing.

In addition to Greg and Sage, Bev is survived by her mother, Doris Kolman, Washington, KS; two brothers, John (Jutta) Kolman, Grand Rapids, MI; Kenneth (Shirley), Kolman, Valley Center, KS; two sisters, Mary Lou (Bill) Walter, Washington, KS; Irene (Bill) Shepherd, Kansas City, MO, a brother-in-law, Gerry Reyes, Winthrop Harbor, IL; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Her father, Joseph Kolman, and two siblings, Charles Kolman and LaDonna Kolman Reyes, preceded her in death.

Bev passed too soon and will be greatly missed by all her family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Bev’s memory to Andover-Augusta RailTrail Initiative (AARTI), PO Box 692, Andover, KS 67002. Bev, Greg and Sage loved running and walking the AARTI Redbud Trail and appreciate the work to make the trail happen.

A celebration of Bev’s life is scheduled Monday, July 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Noah’s Event Venue, 1550 N. Lindberg Circle, Wichita.