Beverly J. Brunner

Beverly Jane Brunner, 85, passed away peacefully at Bickford Senior Living in Mission, Kansas on May 23, 2022 with family by her side. Born on July 14, 1936 in Macedonia, Iowa, Beverly was the first child of Charles and Esther DeWitt. 

Beverly grew up in the small town of Macedonia with her sister and brother. She attended nurses training at Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha, graduating in 1957.  Beverly married Lewis Brunner, her husband of 50 years, in 1963. Beverly and Lewis lived in Omaha while raising their two children together. They were dedicated and loving parents, and enjoyed spending time together as a family camping, fishing and playing board games and cards.

Beverly’s career was focused on helping people. She was a psychiatric nurse at the Omaha VA Medical Center for over 25 years. While their children were young, Beverly worked as a teacher’s assistant for children with special needs and with deaf and blind children, allowing her a work schedule where she could be home more with her family.

Beverly was an animal lover from an early age. She and Lewis shared their home with many, many rescue dogs over the years, and Basset Hounds were Beverly’s favorite. Beverly also loved football and was a longtime Nebraska Cornhusker fan.

Beverly and Lewis retired to Table Rock Lake in Shell Knob, Missouri in 1997. They enjoyed their quiet life together on the lake surrounded by nature for many years until Lewis passed away in 2014. Beverly and Lewis were active members of their church and had many good friends in their church family.

Beverly will be remembered for her kindness to people and animals, her generosity, her faith, and her dry wit delivered with that smile.

Beverly is preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband. She is survived by her sister Julia Killion (Roger) and brother Chuck DeWitt (Jeanette); her daughter Jana Brunner (Rick Radakovich); son David Brunner (Nina); grandchildren Lindsey, Nathan, Coleton; step grandchildren Devin, Dylan, Dayla; great-grandchildren; and her cherished Basset Hound, Buster. 

Beverly's family would like to thank the staff members of Bickford Senior Living at Mission Springs and Advanced Home Health & Hospice of Kansas City for their care and compassion.  

A celebration of Beverly’s life will be held at a later date.

The family suggests memorial gifts may be given to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 24596 State Highway 39, Shell Knob, MO 65747; or Haven of the Ozarks Animal Sanctuary, 9617 Farm Road 2190, Washburn, MO 65772.

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