Beverly Jennings
Beverly Jennings, 87, of Rochester, went home on Feb. 23, 2015.
She was born in North Muskegon, Mich., to George and Beatrice Olsen Mecher. She was the fourth daughter born to the union.
While growing up in Muskegon, Bev enjoyed spending the summers at the Lake Michigan Shore with her niece’s Nancy and Ruth Anne. During the colder months she sewed doll clothes for the girls.
On Oct. 16, 1954, Bev married Lee Jennings. Together they had six children. The Jennings crew enjoyed camping in Michigan when the children were young. Taking her children to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Benzie State Park and the blockhouse in Muskegon in addition to spending time, once again, at the Lake Michigan Shore, was a simple pleasure of Bev’s. Sewing and knitting for her children and grandchildren also brought great joy.
Before moving to Indiana Beverly was a telephone operator in Muskegon. She continued this with the Rochester Telephone Company until the company switched to direct dial in 1974. From there she went to Torin Corporation from which she retired.
On April 25, 1982, her beloved husband, Lee Jennings passed away. She suddenly became a single mother and grandmother. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy.
Bev’s love to travel was enhanced with her sons’ new home states of Vermont, Texas and Michigan. All of which she loved to visit for long stays when able.
In addition to her husband, Bev was preceded in death by her sisters; May Ella Mecher, Michigan; Ruth Mirabella, Florida; and Marge Vanderpott, Missouri; One brother G. William Mecher, Alabama and a granddaughter Ashley Swope.
Survivors include, her children: Lisa and Bob Swope, Katie and Charlie Miller, all of Rochester; Michael Jennings, Bare, Vermont; Brian and Karen Jennings, Fort Gratiot, Mich.; Wendy and John Anderson, New Paris, and Chris and Leslie Jennings, Frisco, Texas.
Remembering Grandma J. are her grandchildren: Joe and Brianne Miller, Sarah Miller, Greg and Katie Miller, John Swope, Kyle and Adam Van Meter, all of Rochester; Rob Bruder, Indianapolis; Matt and Megan Jennings Liberta, Albany, New York; Dan and Ben Jennings, Ft. Gratiot, Michigan; Andy and Haley Van Meter Stepp, Winamac; Hannah, Evan and Molly Jennings, Frisco, Texas. Great-grandchildren are : Brandon Swope, Vivian, Grayson, Vanessa and Graham Miller, Amari Parson, and Sam Stepp.
Her granddogs, the four Toulouses I, II, III and IV, Maggie, Copper and Shadow brought joy to her throughout her life.
Friends may visit with the family from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, in the Good Family funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Private family services will be held.
Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.