Obituary - Belva Alyce Berry, 92

Belva Alyce Berry was born February 19, 1911 to William and Josphine McDaniel in Dodge City, Kansas. She was the second child and first daughter of five children. When she was a baby, her parents moved to Kiowa County, Colorado, to homestead, four miles north of Eads. She attended Eads School from first through twelfth grade, graduating as valedictorian of the class of 1928. She then attended Colorado State Teachers College in Greeley where she received her teaching certificate. She then taught school for nine years at three schools: Prairie Queen, Arlington and Galatea.

She was united in marriage to Lloyd R. Berry on April 30, 1937. To this union two children were born, sons Cardon and Damon. They lived in the Prairie Queen Community, fifteen miles northwest of Eads, where they farmed and ranched. In 1962 Lloyd and Belva moved into Eads in a new home that Belva designed and Lloyd and sons built. Lloyd passed away on August 30, 1973 and Belva continued to live in their home until she became a resident of the Weisbrod Nursing Home in April of 2001.

Belva was a good wife and mother. She was a dedicated Christian and joined the Methodist Church in 1921 where she was an active member, organist, and choir director. Belva was also active in the United Methodist Women, was chairman of the funeral dinners for many years, and taught the adult Sunday School class for over forty years. She was a member of the Republican Party and served as Republican Committee Woman for thirty years. She served on the first Weisbrod Hospital Board and held that position for decades as well as serving on the Kiowa County Library Board. She supported her boys in their school activities as well as 4.H. She was an avid baseball fan. Music, reading, and her yard work were her favorite activities.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers: George Dale McDaniel, Byran William McDaniel, and Victor Verl McDaniel; her sister; Reba Fern Davidson; and her husband, Lloyd Berry. She is survived by her children: Cardon Berry and wife Joyce of Eads, Damon Berry and wife Sue of Florence, Texas; 4 grandchildren: Cindy McLoud and husband Michael, James Berry and wife Julie, Patrick Berry and wife Stephanie, and Michael Berry. Belva was also survived by four step-grandchildren, six great grandchildren and nine step-great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Belva Alyce Berry were held on Friday, January 16, 2004 at the United Methodist Church in Eads. Pastor Patrick Berry officiated the services. Philomene Liesen and Betty Crow provided the piano and organ music for the service. Patrick and Jim Berry served as vocalists. Casket bearers were: Jim Berry, Patrick Berry, Mike Berry, Mike McLoud, Harvey Kelly and Billy Brandt. Honorary casket bearers were all of Belva’s Prairie Queen Neighbors. Final committal services were held at the Eads Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church Kitchen Renovation Fund. Brown Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.