Beverly Ann Bernath, “Ms. Bev,” took her final breath and soared upon eagles’ wings to meet her beloved husband, Bud, in heaven, on January 14, 2021.
Born to the late Glen and Jeanette Elrod on July 3, 1945, she was raised in New Palestine, Indiana, along with her older brother Charlie. Bev was a vibrant and outgoing young lady who caught the eye of a gentleman from South Bend, Victor “Bud” Bernath while serving him pie at the little diner where she worked. Both were smitten, and the couple tied the knot on November 14, 1964.
Over the years, Bev & Bud lived in several places like Lafayette, New Palestine, and Southport, but their home was Washington, Indiana. Washington was where they planted their roots, worked, volunteered, made life-long friends, and raised their family.
Bev, or “Ms. Bev,” as countless Washington Catholic graduates know her, was a Teachers Aide and later a volunteer for over 30 years. She had a way with kids and could make anyone feel comfortable with her sweet smile.
She was always the first to volunteer and helped numerous organizations over the years. In her retirement, she especially enjoyed her time at St Vincent De Paul and The Daviess County Historical Society and Museum. She was known for her organizational skills and uncanny ability to iron the tiniest of dresses and shirts for displays.
Bev was a friend to a multitude of people of all ages. She always gave freely of her time, talent, and kindness. She enjoyed playing cards with “her ladies” and always had a story to tell. One close friend described Bev as a “chief decorator, organizer, calming force, greeting card for every occasion kind of gal.”
Most of all, Bev loved her family. She was a devoted wife to Bud and was a great sport regarding his merciless teasing until his passing in 2011. She continued to love him every day until she joined him on the other side. Bev was a loving mom to David Bernath (Angie) of Wyandotte, Michigan, and Daniel Bernath (Vicki) of Noblesville, Indiana. She left them with a lifetime of memories and little nuggets of guidance, along with “Bev wisdom” still ringing through their ears. Bev also relished her role as “Grama” to Cooper, Macguire, and Colton. She never missed a Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, or any other small holiday and the opportunity to send them a card and a crisp $1 bill. Those cards were always a sweet reminder that even though “Grama” lived far away, she was still thinking of them.
Bev also leaves decades of beautiful memories with her brother-in-law Jim Bernath (Diane) of South Bend, IN, sisters-in-law, Georgia Old of East Lansing, MI, Tina Fricano (Ken) of Braselton, GA, Rita Holcomb (Terry) of Laguna Hills, CA, Lynn Dorn (Mike) of Coppell, Texas, Micki Wagner (Jack) of Waukesha, WI., and numerous nieces and nephews.
On Thursday, January 21, 2021, at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Washington, Indiana, a private mass will be held, followed by interment at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Greenwood, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Washington Catholic Schools, 310 N.E. 2nd Street, Washington, IN 47501, or Daviess County Historical Society and Museum, 212 E. Main Street, Washington, IN 47501.
