Beverly was a beloved mother, grandmother, and aunt, a funny and feisty friend, and a lifelong maker, stitcher, and grower of stunning things. She died April 29, 2024 at age 86.
Bev was born in Banff on May 6, 1937, to Frank and Agnes Peterson. A challenging childhood saw stops in Revelstoke and Vancouver and shaped her resilient personality. Young adulthood brought her back to Alberta, where she settled in the new suburbs of southwest Calgary with Kenneth Hayhurst and welcomed two boys, Kevin and Robert.
In the late-‘60s, she met and married Rodger Ohler, a much-loved farmer, rancher and entrepreneur from Stavely. Son Shawn arrived, and Bev molded an unfamiliar farm life into something very much her own. Her knack was making everything she touched beautiful – outfits, baking, quilts, flowers in her enormous garden, or a swing dance with Rodger. Sometimes her words had sharper edges but everyone in her orbit knew they were loved nonetheless.
She had five grandchildren – Matthew and Eric from Kevin, Allie from Robert, and Josh and Brady from Shawn. She adored them all. She had countless nieces and nephews on both her Ohler/Hall and Peterson/Goodman sides. She adored them all.
Rodger’s premature passing from ALS in 2004 was a tremendous setback for Bev, but she persevered and enjoyed a decade of travel and friendships in Calgary. With her trademark toughness and quick tongue, she battled dementia and heart problems in her final years. Her family is grateful for the empathetic care she received at AgeCare Glenmore, whose staff do so much within a demanding system.
Family will host a celebration of life Saturday, May 25 at 2 p.m. at Stavely’s Community Hall, the site of so many joyful Christmas Eves, cabarets, and Ohler wedding memories.
No flowers, please, though Bev did love them. If you are moved, think of Rodger and Bev and donate to the ALS Society of Alberta,
7874 10th St NE, Calgary, T2E 8W1.