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Beverly Joan Large, age 100, of Sturgis, passed away on April 5, 2025 at Thurston Woods Villa in Sturgis.
She was born August 23, 1924 in Kalamazoo, daughter of the late Delbert and Blanche (Parker) Fennell.
Bev was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1942. She furthered her education at Bronson Methodist Hospital School of Nursing where she earned her diploma as a Registered Nurse.
On January 6, 1946, she married Richard Lee “Dick” Large at the First United Methodist Church parsonage in Sturgis. He preceded her in death March 18, 2010.
Bev retired from Sturgis Hospital following 22 years of dedicated service as a Registered Nurse. Prior to joining Sturgis Hospital, she worked at the St. Joseph County Health Department and the office of Drs. Boys and Jennings in Kalamazoo.
Bev was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis where she was a member of United Methodist Women, the Fellowship Class, and was always willing to volunteer her time at funeral luncheons. Bev enjoyed attending the Birthday Club and was a talented painter and the last remaining member of a Pinochle club that met for decades. Bev and Dick’s fellow classmates of the class of 1942 met for lunch monthly well into their 80s. They loved to travel and a few of their favorite trips were to the Panama Canal, Alaska, and Branson, Missouri plus many more travels.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Thurston Woods Villa and Village for the loving care that Bev received from all of the staff.
Bev was blessed with her children: Lynn Ann (Craig) Hess and Gail Ellen Bonebrake, both of Paw Paw, and Douglas (Linda) Large of Sturgis; grandchildren: Pamela Jo (Ron) St. Clair, Todd (Tonya) Hess, Matthew Hess, Nicholas (Erinn) Hess, Kyle (Mary) Hess, Case (Gina) Bonebrake, Melissa (Christopher) Scheirey and Andrew (Lois) Large; great grandchildren: Jordan (Adam) Sager, Sydney St Clair (Jason Atkinson), McKenna St Clair (Logen Mattes), Dalton Hess (Kenzie Schwabe), Quinn Hess, Samantha Hess, Tarina Doolittle, Alexandra Bonebrake, William Bonebrake, Eleanor Scheirey, William Scheirey, Kate Scheirey, Kalvin (Destinee) Avery and Lucille Large; great great grandchildren: Reagan Hess, Cooper Hess, Charleigh Hess, Elouise Hess, Edith Hess, Avett Hess, Emberlynn Hess and Dawson Hess, Sara Avery, Axl Smith and Layla Smith.
In honoring Beverly’s wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:30 on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating the life of Beverly J. Large will immediately follow the visitation at 2:30. The Rev. Sue Babb will officiate. Private interment of the remains will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Large’s memory consider the First United Methodist Church, 200 Pleasant Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091 or the Sturgis Salvation Army, 105 N. Fourth St., Sturgis, MI 49091.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
