Beverly Ann Benfer

Beverly Ann Benfer died February 3, 2024, at John Knox Village, Weslaco. Texas. She lived life with vigor and enthusiasm, which spread to others. She received her BSN and a Master's degree from the University of Iowa and was a leader in psychiatric nursing throughout her career. She served as Director of Nursing at the Menninger Foundation in Kansas as well as in Iowa and was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing, held offices in many nursing organizations, was recognized in Kansas as a nurse of the year, and had a leadership award in her name given yearly. She authored numerous articles and book chapters and was on the editorial board of several nursing journals as well as a sought-after speaker at workshops and conferences. She was a skilled psychotherapist and group leader. 

Bev loved spending time with family, friends, and pets. She was an active community volunteer, as well as being involved with her church. She loved international travel, cruises, and playing cards and games with friends, as well as hobbies of flying, swimming, wood carving, and working with stained glass, and was a Winter Texan for 25 years before permanently relocating from Iowa to John Knox Village in Weslaco, Texas 

Bev was born on January 1, 1933, in Vinton, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hazel and Les Benfer, and her brothers Don and Stan Benfer, and sister Marcella Jackson. She is survived by her lifetime friend Patricia Schroder, special nieces Carol Trentham and Sharon (Larry) Koster as well as a host of family and friends. Services will be held at Cedar Memorial in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Memorials may be given to John Knox Village in Weslaco or the McAllen First Christian Church.