Beverly D. (Day) McElfresh, age 85, and a native of Elwood, passed on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Northwest Health-Porter Hospital in Valparaiso following health issues, but a good, long life.
She was born Dec. 5, 1937, in Elwood, the daughter of Garth O. and Zethal (Passwater) Day.
Bev was a 1955 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School. She married her soulmate, Larry A. McElfresh, on Aug. 21, 1954, and they shared more than 67 years of marriage together before his passing in 2021.
Bev was a devoted homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother.
Bev and Larry were formerly active members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood and in recent years were members of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Valparaiso.
She enjoyed playing duplicate bridge, working with Brazilian embroidery, working crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and loved quilting for her family.
Bev especially enjoyed playing solitaire computer games for entertainment and her annual trips to Sugar Cottage in Nashville, Ind.
She and Larry were known for taking pride in their home where Bev tended to their beautiful flowers.
Bev loved nothing more than spending time with all her family and her beloved grandchildren. Her family is comforted knowing that Bev and Larry have been reunited in Heaven together.
Beverly’s family includes six children, Lorri (Dave) Abel of Frankton, Nancy McElfresh of Ohio, Joni White of Valparaiso, Jennifer McElfresh of Westville, John (Susan) McElfresh of Schererville and Michael (Jeanine) McElfresh of Chesterton; 13 grandchildren, Jon (Sarah) Beeman, Beth Beeman, Chrystin (Jeremiah) Frantz, Chuck (Jess) White III, Christopher (Serena) White, Danielle (Doug) Adams, Katie Potter, Jessica (Andrew) Lisak, Jeff (Yuqi) McElfresh, Mariel McElfresh, Allena McElfresh, Adeline McElfresh and Mitch McElfresh; 11 great-grandchildren, Hannah, Jack, Kason, Aurora, Nova, Charlotte, Samara, Rhone, Delaney, Seth, Holland and baby girl Harper expected in May; and several nieces and nephews.
Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Larry McElfresh in 2021; four siblings, Carolyn Curry, Helen “Babe” Unger, Robert Hancher and Garth J. (Boy) Day; grandson, David Potter; and son-in-law, Charles White.
A funeral service celebrating Beverly’s life and faith will be at 2 p.m Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Father Dennis Goth of St. Joseph Church officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Elwood.
Visitation for family and friends will be from noon to 2 p.m. prior to the funeral on Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross or Riley Children’s Hospital.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.
