Beverly Joan (Beeksma) Kingma died peacefully in her home on Oct. 2, 2013. A lifelong Oak Harbor resident, she was born Aug.14, 1934 in Oak Harbor.

Weighing just over 4 pounds, her parents, Egbert and Elizabeth (Nienhuis) Beeksma, proudly paid for her hospital costs with gold coins and brought her home in a shoebox.

Bev was sister to and is survived by three brothers, Barney (wife Joyce) Beeksma, of Oak Harbor; Edward (wife Cheryl) Beeksma, of Oak Harbor and Stanley (wife Marilyn) Beeksma, of Auburn, Wash.

Bev graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1952. She attended Seattle Pacific College, Whitworth College and Western Washington University, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in education.

Bev married Ralph Kingma June 18, 1955 at First Reformed Church in Oak Harbor and they had celebrated more than 45 years of marriage when Ralph preceded her in death Feb. 1, 2001.

Bev and Ralph have three sons: Steve (wife Sarah), of Bellevue; John (wife Tammy), of Oak Harbor and Gregg (wife Gail) of Mill Creek. Her boys were always and obviously the most important focus of her life.

Because sports and particularly basketball were a significant part of her boys’ lives, Bev learned and became an enthusiast of all athletics.

Every opportunity to watch her sons or grandchildren participate in any athletic or extracurricular event was a priority to her.

Bev taught elementary school for more than 20 years and was known to be very patient and encouraging to each and every child, finding the best in each of her students.

Following retirement she continued to volunteer at Oak Harbor Christian School tutoring and mentoring students who struggled with math, Bev’s favorite subject.

Her love for education is a continuing legacy left for each grandchild through what she crafted as “Grandma’s Scholarship Fund.” Her unique concept was featured in a nationwide documentary hosted by Willard Scott for the Edward Jones Investment firm network.

Each of her 11 grandchildren: Kyle, Kaylea (Andrew Salinas), Ashley, Kristi, Jordan, Betsy, Brett, Kelli, Dan, Ryan and Brooke, receive grandma’s “scholarship” gift while pursuing their college dreams.

Bev devoted her life to her family, and her love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was evident through unselfish devotion to each and every member.

She also had a particularly compassionate heart for those who were hurting. She deeply touched many lives with her gifts of love, visiting often those who were shut-in or in need of comfort or encouragement.

She ministered to countless people by sending caring, hopeful letters and cards to anyone she thought might need words of encouragement.

Bev was an exemplary Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, modeling the love of Christ by her unselfish life. Mom/Gramma is our family’s most devoted cheerleader.

We will all take her often-shared words with us wherever our paths lead: “Go get ‘em!”

Memorial gifts may be made in Bev’s name to the Benevolence Fund of First Reformed Church in Oak Harbor.

Private interment was held Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 at Maple Leaf Cemetery. A graveside service will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3 p.m. at First Reformed Church, Pastor Matt Waite officiating.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com