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BEVERLY Died peacefully on April 3, 2012, just a month shy of her 96th birthday. She is survived by her children, Sharen Hart of Albuquerque, Mike McClanahan and wife Joanne of Marrietta, GA; grandchildren Brett Hart, Seattle, WA, Jimmy Hart, Albuquerque, Erin McClanahan, Atlanta, GA, and Ryan McClanahan, Washington, DC. Beverly was born on May 9, 1916 in Keota, Iowa, a rural farming community southwest of Iowa City. In 1939, shortly after earning her bachelor's degree in home economics from the University of Iowa, she married her college sweetheart, Bill McClanahan, also a Hawkeye grad. Tired of the harsh Iowa winters, the couple moved south to Lake Charles, Louisiana, where they lived for many decades. Following his WWII Army service, Bill established a successful retail business while Beverly taught preschool and became the perfect Southern hostess. The McClanahans had an active social, civic and church life. Beverly, a long time member of the Presbyterian Church, taught Sunday school and held many volunteer church positions. She was a lifelong member of the American Association of University Women, was active in several garden clubs and played a fast game of bridge. An avid gardener, Beverly grew prize-winning roses. She regularly filled her church and the homes of friends with glorious roses. She was so well-known in Lake Charles for her beautiful roses that perfect strangers would stop by to elicit her gardening advice. The McClanahan household was a warm, inviting place where friends and family were graciously entertained. A great cook, Beverly's culinary repertoire included traditional Louisiana Cajun cuisine, Midwestern favorites and her very special made-from-scratch-yeast-dough cinnamon rolls. Throughout their married life the McClanahans traveled extensively in the United States, Europe and to Asia. Beverly and Bill celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary as they had lived their years together...at their home with festivities that included family, friends, food and music. In 2009, Beverly moved to Albuquerque to be near her daughter. Beverly was preceded in death by her husband Bill, brother Jim Bell and sister Betty Jean Bell. Beverly's family and friends extend their appreciation to the staff members of Ambercare Hospice, The Cottages and the Montebello Assisted Living communities for their loving kindnesses while she was in their care. A memorial service will be held in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Please visit our online guestbook for Beverly at www.RememberTheirStory.com FRENCH 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
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