Beverly Lee (Harrison) Stinson

Beverly Harrison Stinson, 88, went to heaven on March 23, 2020. She always said she would want a Dixieland band playing “When the Saints Go Marching In” with much joy and exuberance upon her death. Such is the way she lived her life with her husband of 67 years, John Sr.; raised her 3 children, Denise Cooper, Stephanie Reif and John Stinson Jr.; grandparented 6 grandchildren who adore her, and great-grandparented 11 great-grandchildren who adore her too. Beverly Lee Harrison was born on October 15, 1931, in Waldron, Kansas, to Aubrey Lee Harrison and Florence Stark Harrison, around midnight, when her daddy was at a Mason’s meeting. She grew up in Waldron, finished high school in Anthony, and then attended Emporia State University where she met John Stinson on a blind date. They were married on September 7, 1952, in Anthony, Kansas. Following John’s time in the U.S. Army, they settled down in Wichita, Kansas, and Beverly enjoyed life as a homemaker. She loved and served her family well. Beverly enjoyed playing bridge, doing needlepoint, and cooking for anyone who was hungry or might ever be hungry in the future. She and John were members of Northwest Christian Church in Wichita where they worked with the kitchen ministry and formed a small group ministry for seniors called the Live Wires, which expressed her heart for fellowship, joy and connection. Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, and her stillborn baby brother. She is survived by husband, John; children, Denise and Jim Cooper, Stephanie and Gene Reif, John Jr., and Lisa Stinson; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorials may be sent to Northwest Christian Church, Victory in the Valley or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. Cremation has occurred and a memorial service will be planned for a later date. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.