Beverly Jean Neher

Beverly Jean Neher, 89, North Manchester, passed away Oct. 4, 2021, at Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester. Born on Nov. 14, 1931, in Chicago, Ill, Jean was the daughter of the late Arthur and Vira (Peterson) Seidler.

When Jean was three years old her mother passed away, and her father was unable to care for her by himself. Clifford and Ina (Day) Glass became Jean’s foster parents when she was four, instilling in her a deep appreciation for foster care. Later in life Jean became a foster parent to eight children.

Growing up in La Porte, Indiana, Jean graduated from Stillwell High School in 1949 and later from Manchester College. During her time at Manchester College, she worked at Heckman Bindery during the summers, where she met Donald Neher. The two were married Feb. 28, 1953. Jean went on to further her studies and received her Master’s Degree in Education from University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne.

Jean passed on the education she received to younger generations. She taught at schools in North Webster, Pierceton, Silver Lake, and Thorncreek Township in Whitley County, all in Indiana. She also worked at Sun Metal and Grace Village Retirement Community, both in Warsaw. After retiring, Jean and Don moved to Lakeland, Florida. While there, Jean worked at Polk County Schools and for the Florida State Parks.

Jean loved to relax by sewing and made everything from clothes to over one hundred quilts. She and Don relished in their time spent traveling, and she especially loved her trips to Bermuda, Central and South America, and eighteen countries in Europe. Religion was always an important aspect of Jean’s life. She was a member of North Winona Church of the Brethren in Winona Lake, Indiana.

The loving memory of Beverly Jean Neher will be forever cherished by her husband, Don Neher, North Manchester; sons: Lee (Mary) Neher, Columbia City; and Duane (Kathy) Neher, Lawrenceburg; daughters: Gail (Steve) Hoke, Plymouth; and Brenda Blacklaw, Bourbon; grandchildren: Amy Yanagiha, Jen Neher, Greg Neher, Heather Howard, Ben Wright, Andy Wright, Trent Furnivale, and Daniele Blacklaw; and foster daughters: Becky Osbum, Sheila Culp, and Lisa Dennis.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Vira Seidler; foster parents, Clifford and Ina Glass; and sister, Eileen Raymond.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. in McKee Mortuary, Oct. 15. Calling will start at noon.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Jean Neher, memorial contributions may be made to North Winona Church of the Brethren, 2475 East 100 North, Warsaw, IN 46582.

The family of Beverly Jean Neher has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.

Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com