Beverly Ann Rex

Beverly Ann Rex, 75, of Antwerp, passed away Sunday, September 30, 2018.

Bev was born in Fort Wayne on January 15, 1943, a daughter of the late Gertrude (Watson) & Linus  Tempel.

She worked over 27 years as a forklift operator at Spec Temp but was most comfortable quilting or spending time with her family.

Bev will be sadly missed by her children, Cheryl (Carl) Lynch, David (Annette) Parisot, Tina (Donny) Lytle, Tammy Campos, Jane (Greg) Mies, NaDene (Jim) Gerencer & Randy (Antoinette) Leakey; siblings, Dorinda (Kenneth) Jarrell, DoRetta (David) Cline, Marlene Tempel & Kevin Tempel and a host of grandchildren & great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Larry Rex & brother, David Tempel.

Service is Thursday, 11 am with viewing 9 - 11 am at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp.

She will be laid to rest at Bethel Cemetery.

Memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

Fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com  

BEV'S LIFE STORY

When reflecting on the life of Beverly Rex, it is easy to see her strength, her courage, and her resilience in whatever came her way. She was fiercely independent and determined to succeed in everything throughout her entire lifetime. Bev was deeply devoted to her family. She was filled with unspeakable joy as she witnessed her family tree blossom to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was very proud of each and every one of them. With unwavering faith, Bev was always willing to share the wisdom she gained along the way. Life will never be the same without her here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever cherish.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young Americans were honorably serving during WWII. Amidst this eventful time there was a great celebration in the lives of a carpenter Linus Tempel and his wife Gertrude (Watson), a waitress and a cook. They joyously announced the birth of the baby girl, Beverly Ann on January 15, 1943 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

There was never anything of greater significance in Bev’s life than her loved ones. She was blessed to become a mother to her four children, Cheryl, David, NaDene, and Randy. Her children watched her overcome numerous hardships in her lifetime. She always pushed through, made due with what she had and she somehow maintained her smile and good outlook on life. As adults, all of her children have come to understand the magnitude of responsibility that she carried on their behalf. In the kids own words, “Mom did a great job in raising us. She had several means of discipline, the hot wheel track folded in half, the sweeper crevice tool, the wooden spoon and at times she used soap in the mouth. All were dreadful when you were on the receiving end, but very effective. Our brother David had the most experience with these and could certainly offer the most insight here.”

The children recalled that at one point their family became a blended family with seven children. During this time, one of the children would not fess up to doing something wrong. Their mom lined all of them up and gave each of them a swat on the bottom. Everyone whimpered as they got their spanking except “Little Miss Tina” on the end. She could not contain herself and she let the slightest little giggle out. The kids said, “After that mom made a few, to the point comments, and promptly gave the rest of us another swat.” There was also a time when Bev had warned her five girls, who all shared a room, to clean up their things one time too many times. They vividly recall, “Our school bus came to a screeching halt in front of our bedroom window. There was an unusual silence followed by finger pointing and giggles. To our horror, mom had thrown about everything we owned right out the window. All was in plain view of everyone on the bus.” On another occasion Cheryl recalled, “Mom was not home. David and I got in a terrible argument about his untidiness. We wrestled pretty fiercely, eventually breaking away from one another. Just before he darted out the door, he snatched a spool of thread off the floor and whipped it at me. It hit me right between the eyes and left an instant, sizable lump. Later, mom came home and David slipped in the door right behind her. Mom mentioned that someone complained about rumbling and yelling coming from our apartment a little bit ago. David and I both sneered at each other and then we realized… he had a black eye and I had a goose egg on my forehead. At the same moment something distracted mom and weeee went with it! If she noticed our colorful faces, she never said anything and we were both smart enough to not bring it up.”

Bev was good at everything she did and truly enjoyed life. She was a wonderful cook, and her family will hold dearly to the memory of her fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Her family raved about her potato soup, and everyone enjoyed her fruit pudding. All the children agreed that they loved it when their mom took them to Aunt DoRetta’s for the weekends or the lake during the summer. They also have fond memories of their mom being an amazing crafter. She always had several projects going at the same time. When growing up, she made sure each of them had some kind of project to work on as well.

Bev spent more than 27 years working as a forklift operator at Spec Temp in addition to caring for her home and family. A woman of faith, Bev loved going to church, currently Grabill Missionary Church, and she also loved bowling and golfing. During her younger years she and Larry enjoyed auto racing, and they were also avid members of the Antwerp VFW. Bev was an amazing seamstress and a longtime member of a quilt club. She made numerous, beautiful quilts and gifted many to family members and others. It has been said that she was also quite a dancer. Bev enjoyed Christian music and reading her bible. She was always willing to discuss scripture and how it related to everyday living.

Described as resilient, hardworking, outgoing, and generous, Beverly Rex was a blessing in the lives of so many others. Although she accomplished so much of which to be proud, she lived to love and care for others above all else. Second only to her faith was the love she had for her family. Through the way Bev lived her life she has been an exemplary role model for her children. No matter what came her way, her positive outlook and gracious spirit remained. Deeply loved, Bev will be forever missed.

Bev will be sadly missed by her children, Cheryl (Carl) Lynch, David (Annette) Parisot, Tina (Donny) Lytle, Tammy Campos, Jane (Greg) Mies, NaDene (Jim) Gerencer & Randy (Antoinette) Leakey; siblings, Dorinda (Kenneth) Jarrell, DoRetta (David) Cline, Marlene Tempel & Kevin Tempel and a host of grandchildren & great grandchildren. Bev was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Rex & brother, David Tempel.

Service is Thursday, 11 am with viewing 9 - 11 am at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp.

She will be laid to rest at Bethel Cemetery.

Memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

Fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com