Beverlee (Bev) Joann Delawder Smith Klein, 84, of Galesburg passed away on Sunday October 20th, 2024. Bev was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Kermit Delawder and Elizabeth Morrison Delawder; her sister, Sharon Delawder Clark; her first husband, Eldon Lee Smith and her second husband, Donald (Don) F. Klein; and many dear family and friends.

Surviving is her son Steven D. Smith (Melanie); granddaughter Madeline; sister Karon Delawder Jones (Arnie); her sister-in-law Mildred Smith Platt; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and their children. Bev is also survived by Don’s children Kelly (Jennie), Kris (Joel) and their children, Daniel, Nicholas, Lucas, and Hannah.

Bev was a cheerleader for the Knoxville High School Blue Bullets before graduating in 1958. In 1961, she married Eldon Lee Smith, son of Wayne and Dorothy Smith of Maquon, and four years later they welcomed their only son, Steven. While Bev, Eldon and Steven lived in Algonquin, IL she served as an officer with the Woman’s Club, Baseball Little League and Youth Programs, County Political Campaigns, and volunteered for many school events. Prior to Eldon’s sudden passing in 1987, they lived in West Chester, OH.

Bev returned to Galesburg, and while working at Gale Credit Union, she met Donald F. Klein. Don and Bev married in 1990, surrounded by close family and friends in the First Methodist Church Chapel. Don and Bev lived in Galesburg for 31 years and adored their neighbors and furry friends they welcomed into their home. After Don’s passing in 2021, Bev remained in their home with their last adored Shih Tzu, Kippy.

Bev enjoyed many hobbies, including crocheting, quilting, and bowling -even enlisting Don’s help in fabric cutting and piecing! Most of all Bev enjoyed being with her family. Big family gatherings in her basement were full of laughter, stories, food she made for days (while keeping Don from eating it all!), and games. Bev took every opportunity to spend time with her granddaughter, Madeline -enjoying many trips to Disney World, Cocoa Beach, lighting July 4th fireworks, hiding Easter eggs, and attending many special life events. When driving long distances were harder, she and Don took a bus to watch Madeline graduate high school. Most recently, Bev learned to use FaceTime to be able to visit with Madeline even with the miles between them.

The family will hold a small graveside service at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens on Friday October 25th at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either:

Jane Goodall Institute at  https://janegoodall.org/  

Knox County Humane Society at  https://knoxcountyhumanesociety.org/.

Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com