Beverly Joyce Lorenz, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the age of 88. Beverly was born in Staunton, IL, on October 2, 1936. She was the only child of Ernest M Reschetz and Frances Rek Reschetz. Beverly lost her father in 1940, when she was 3 ½ years old. Beverly and her mother Frances then moved to Evanston, IL, to be near family, before joining Beverly's Aunt Joann in Montague, MI. Frances remarried William L Kroll in Montague, who became Bev's step-father. Bev worked at Lipka's Drug Store when she was a teenager, enjoyed ice skating with friends on White Lake while growing up, and graduated from Montague High School in 1954, where she was very involved and enjoyed playing her clarinet in the band.

In 1955, Beverly married James Lorenz, a Whitehall boy who made the move across the bridge to Montague. Bev and Jim were married for 69 years, with Jim passing just recently on November 19, 2024. Beverly was working at Hooker Chemical Co in Montague when Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army.  During the time of Jim's service, Beverly joined him for a year in Germany where oldest daughter, Melissa was born. Three years later, while living back in their home in Montague, daughter Hilary was born, followed by Heather six years later.  Beverly attended Muskegon Community College and became a nurse.  Her compassion, calmness, strength and ability to help others, made her a great nurse, which she was so very proud of. She worked and gained knowledge at Whitehall Nursing Home, Hackley Hospital, and a doctor's office, then moved to Muskegon Surgical Associates the year they originated, where she worked until her retirement.  MSA was her dream "job" and she enjoyed it there so very much.  She was in nursing for over 30 years, but her care of others and nursing skills extended well beyond that time.

Beverly was the last surviving charter member of the Dirt Dauber Garden Club. The garden club was so important to Bev and she received immense enjoyment being an integral part of the club.  She was an avid gardener and would have people randomly stop to  tour her beautiful yard. She could often be found working in her yard every evening, pulling weeds in downtown Montague, planting flowers at the Montague Township Hall or watering the plants at the Welcome to Montague sign at Oakhurst Cemetery.  She was also a member of White Lake United Methodist Church.  Bev had a smile that lit up a room, a laugh that was contagious and an elegance that would catch your eye.

Beverly passed away at her daughter's home. She will always be deeply missed, and loved by her daughters, Melissa (Bill Ditty) Lorenz, Hilary Lorenz, and Heather (Curtiss Babcock) Lorenz-Babcock; and the brightest lights of her life, her grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan) Gannon and Brady Babcock, who filled her life with smiles, love, and joy.  Bev was given such a gift with her new great-granddaughter, Scottie James Gannon, whom she adored immensely. Bev is also survived by special nieces and nephews.

Bev was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim; her parent; and her in-laws.

The Celebration of Bev will be conducted at 12:00 PM, Monday, February 24, at White Lake United Methodist Church, 8555 Cook Street, Montague, MI 49437, with visitation at 11:00 AM until time of service. A graveside service will follow the service in Oak Grove Cemetery, in Montague, and the family invites you for a time of food and fellowship at the church, concluding all services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Dirt Dauber Garden Club, White Lake United Methodist Church, or the Noah Project.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com