Beverly Jean Canfield

Our chocoholic, sports fanatic Beverly Jean Canfield’s courageous battle came to an end Sunday, September 14, 2014 in the extraordinarily loving care of Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata, Washington.

Bev was born February 24, 1930 in Montesano, Wash. to “Tiny” and Herthal McNelly. She was later joined by a brother, Roger. She enjoyed her youth in Montesano as a cheerleader, muusic enthusiast – full of fun and laughter.

She then attended the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash. where she majored in muusic. Bev met the young jock, Dick Canfield in Aberdeen, Wash. where they soon were married. Dick and Bev moved to Ephrata with their newborn daughter, Diane in 1952. They soon added David and Danny to the laughter.

They owned the Shell bulk plant and service station until 1960, eventually partnering with Bill and Phyllis Korach, forming Korach & Canfield Insurance.

Bev was fortunate enough to stay at home and teach her children faith, laughter and sweets! She volunteered at school, the election board and at the United Methodist Church of Ephrata. She was a founding member of the Beta Sigma Phi in Ephrata.

Once all three kids were in school she lovingly worked for the Ephrata School District in the Special Education program where she truly blessed the lives of those special children.

Bev’s children were her life but her passion was sports and horticulture. She loved baseball, football and gardening. When in her home, sports were always on the television. At first it was baseball but then NFL football edged out the top spot. It wasn’t by coincidence her Seahawks won her a Super Bowl her last full NFL season here on earth.

Becoming single, Mom set off for the big city of Spokane, Wash. where she worked in the fraud department at Bank of America. But her passion for horticulture and gardening began to blossom. Bev was so proud to have earned her Masters in Gardening in her fifties as a single woman. Her love and understanding of plants produced incredible gardens and yards. Mom was always ready and willing to share her expertise with any friend or neighbor concerning their plants or garden.

Bev loved her many dear friends especially Kay and Ernie Swartout, Donna Senn and Mary Bynum. She was loyal to a fault to those she loved and adored. She epitomized being a true friend. Her kids and grandchildren will always remember “GeeGee” for her sense of humor, unconditional love, and her under baked brownies. A true chocoholic to the core!

Bev left this world of more laughter and chocolate to her children Diane (Ken) in Newport, Wash.; David (Candie) in Moses Lake, Wash. and Danny (Kelly) in Ephrata, Wash. As well as her adored grandchildren: Michelle (Ryan), Chris (Tanya), Adam, Dustin (Beth), Caitlin (Adam), Tami, Julia and MacKenzie; as well as nine great-grandchildren. Her kindred spirit was her cousin, Ron Pierson of Puyallup, Wash. And last, but absolutely not least, her loving extraordinary staff family at Columbia Basin Hospital who blessed her so dearly the last 10 months of her life.

Bev was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Roger.

A celebration of mom’s incredible life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, October 4, 2014 at the United Methodist Church of Ephrata, 117 C St. NW, with a Chocoholic Extravaganza to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Master Gardeners Foundation of Spokane County, 222 N. Havana Street, Spokane, WA 99202-4799.

Please leave a memory for the family or sign their online guestbook at www.scharbachs.com.

Scharbach’s Columbia Funeral Chapel, Quincy, Wash. is assisting the family with arrangements.