Beverly J. (Grazier) Osborn, 90

Forever in our hearts, Beverly J. (Grazier) Osborn, whose most treasured titles were “Mom” and “Grandma Bev”, departed from her loving family on May 6, 2023.

Beverly was born in Council Bluffs, IA on June 11, 1932 to Joe E. and Opal M. (Allen) Grazier. As a toddler, her family moved to Brown County, NE to begin farming land north of Johnstown. Her rural roots took firm hold, growing up on the farm with her parents and two brothers, Bill and Charles. Throughout her life, she and her family would continue to visit the land where she grew up, driving through the countryside reminiscing about riding her horse “Tony” to the rural grade school (Dist. 84N), visiting neighboring families, gathering eggs, feeding the pigs and milking their cows. Although rural life was hard work, she had fond memories of her childhood and was always grateful to have been raised ‘a farm girl’.

Bev attended Ainsworth High School, graduating with the class of 1950. Still living on the farm, she often stayed with relatives and friends during the school week and returned to the farm on the weekend. One forever memory for her was when she and her mother tried to make the trip home to their farm from town when the car became stuck in a drift during the historical Blizzard of ’49. They were rescued by a neighbor who housed them for several days until they were able to dig out and travel the rest of the way home. Enjoying AHS, Bev was a cheerleader, played the clarinet in band, participated in school plays, and other school activities.

Following a dance at the Brown County Fairgrounds, Beverly and Gerald W. (Gerry) Osborn began dating and were married October 8, 1950 at the Johnstown Methodist Church. Three children were born to this union, Craig Gerald, Kathleen Anne and Kent Alan. A stay-at-home Mom during most of her children’s younger years, she and Gerry raised their children with love and devotion. Often you would find Bev helping with the kid’s activities as Sunday School teacher, trip sponsor, class helper, Cub Scout/ Brownie Scout leader and their biggest supporter. Neighborhood kids found the Osborn home to be a welcoming and warm place to hang-out, often playing a pick-up game of some kind until all were called home for supper.

Beverly performed clerical work in Ainsworth and transitioned to Manager of the Ainsworth Park Homes. Often you would find her mowing the lawn or helping with maintenance of the apartments in addition to her secretarial duties. She had a knack for fixing things (our in-house ‘handyman’) and enjoyed nurturing her flowers, growing tomatoes, mowing the lawn and being in the out of doors. Bev’s compassionate spirit was evident as she lovingly provided elder care for her in-laws and parents for many years. She was incredibly selfless, always putting others before herself, especially when it came to family.

Gatherings were frequent for Bev and her family as Ainsworth was the ‘hub’ for her extended family who would often come to visit. Of course, this always would include a good meal together. Mom’s fried chicken or chicken and home-made noodles along with cherry pie for dessert was a favorite. Often her family photo album collection was enjoyed during this time together and many memories and stories renewed while looking through the pictures. A jigsaw or crossword puzzle was generally on the extra table for all to help with during their visit as well and Bev always shed a tear or two when it came time for her loved ones to leave.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers and sisters-in-law.

Surviving members of his family include children, Craig (Rita) Osborn, Kathy (Dana) English and Kent Osborn; grandchildren, Nathan (Cindy) Osborn, Shannon (Jon) Barr, Steve (Dana) Osborn, Ashley (Stephen) Bennett, Lindsay (Preston) Meier, Lance (Brielle) English, Ryan Osborn, Marcus Osborn, Georgia (Jeremy) Eatherton and Ashley Blausey; sistersin- law, Anne Osborn, Elaine Osborn and Susan Osborn; 16 great-grandchildren with another joining the family in July, and eight nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service was held at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn, NE with final burial at the Ainsworth NE Cemetery on July 8, 2023.

In Lieu of Flowers please make donations to the Brown County Community Foundation Fund at https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/ brown-county-community-foundation-fund/.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” - Proverbs 31:31