Obituary of Beverly Kolver

Beverly Ruth Burkey was born in LaSalle on February 28, 1943. She was one of nine children born from the union of the late Leo and Marie (Lajiness) Burkey Sr. She attended Custer Elementary School and Monroe High School. Beverly married Kenneth Kolver Sr. on March 13, 1971. Beverly was a talented baker and cook. She enjoyed trying new recipes and sharing her creations with those around her. For many years she provided beautifully decorated cakes for all types of occasions. Beverly enjoyed hosting holiday celebrations and family get-togethers. She loved tending to her yard, flowers, and gardening, recently getting her tomatoes ready for the season. Beverly was a great friend and it was said that there was never a dull moment when she was around. She had been an avid bowler participating in several leagues at Nortel and Monroe Sports Center. Bev enjoyed time that she spent with Ken maintaining books for his sandblasting business and traveling to their Lewiston retreat. She was an active member of the Brest Bay Sportsman Club and their Ladies Auxillary; serving at many club events and also participated in the dart league. Bev, age 71, of Newport passed away unexpectedly at 9:08am on Thursday, May 15, 2014 at Henry Ford Hospital. In addition to her parents and her husband on October 3, 2013 her passing was preceded by a son: Daniel in 1971; brothers: Julius, Harold, and Leo Burkey and sisters: Isabell Arnold and Shirline Hovizi. To cherish her memory she leaves son: Kenneth Kolver Jr. of Carleton; daughter: Cheryl Lynn Beilman of Newport; three grandchildren: Kevin Beilman of Lewiston, Kenneth Kolver III of Newport, and Jordan Taylor Kolver of Brownstown; two brothers: Hilton (Evelyn) Burkey of Erie and Carl (Donna) Burkey of Monroe; one sister: Maryanne (Joseph) Hess of LaSalle; many close friends; her special companion: Peanut the yorkie-poodle-maltese mix; and Sparkles the cat. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm on Sunday, May 18, 2014 and from 10:00am until a Celebration of Her Life to be held at 11:00am on Monday, May 19, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. Pastor Mark Witte of Grace Lutheran Church will officiate. Procession will follow to Roselawn for burial. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, send a floral arrangement, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.