Dale Anne Beaver, age 52, of Gladstone passed away Friday, March 30, 2007 at her home with her family by her side following a brave battle with cancer. She was born July 8, 1954 in Detroit to Douglas and Margery (Perkins) Thompson. Dale Anne has resided in Gladstone for over 30 years where she has been a member of both the Calvary Baptist Church of Escanaba and Grace Baptist Church in Gladstone. She was a loyal supporter of any activities of which her girls or grandkids participated including softball which she coached for a short time. She also worked as an orthodontic assistant for Dr. Nelson Smith and recently Dr. Steven Ouwinga. She enjoyed any outdoor activity including hunting, fishing, picking berries and soaking up the sun. Dale Anne was an extremely devoted Mother and Grandmother and loved spending time with her family. Dale Anne was a friend to everyone she met.
Dale Anne is survived by:
Her husband Kevin
3 Daughters: Amy (Thomas) Bush of Lowell, MI; Crista (Rob) Malmstead of Escanaba, MI; Ellen (Daniel) Chenier of Kalamazoo, MI
6 Grandchildren: Katelyn and Nathan Bush, Anna & Kevin Smith, Sidney and Meredith Chenier
Her parents: Douglas and Margery Thompson
3 Brothers: John (Kelli) Thompson of Oxford, MI; Chris (Marilyn) Thompson of Canton, MI; William Thompson of Portland, Oregon
3 Sisters: Karen Underhill of Cheboygan, MI; Dawn (Mitchel) LaFave of Gladstone, MI; Robert (Bart) Sewell of Hobe Sound, Florida
Numerous nieces and nephews
A Celebration of Life Service for Dale Anne will be Thursday, April 5 at 7:00 PM at the Grace Baptist Church in Gladstone with Pastor Dr. Stephen Patrick officiating. The Beaver family will receive friends on Thursday from 3:00 to 7:00 at the church. Memorial contributions in Dale Anne
Anonymous
Crista and family, It brings me great sadness to hear about the passing of your mom. She fought a long, hard fight. She was a strong woman. Im so very sorry for you and your family. I know she will be terribly missed by all of you. Please give my condolences to your sisters and their families as well. I have been thinking about you all so much and keeping you in my prayers. Love Jenn
Jenn Hagemann
Middleville, MI
Our sympathy goes out to all of you, and we’re sorry we could not be there with you. Our prayers go out to you. She was a very wonderful, and special person, and she will be missed!
Tom and Jessie Seronko
Gladstone, MI
Dear Crista and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you, Crista, for letting us know. She was an amazing person. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Julie Biesbrock
Hudsonville, MI
Girls ~
We have been truly blessed by “Mrs. Beaver” the popsicle lady – next door. Everyone should have someone as special in their lives as DaleAnn and we are blessed that we had her right next door for many years. We pray that your pain lessens and your hearts thrive on the memories that your mom created. She truly was a very special woman! We will miss her everyday!
Jamie, Tina, Justyn, Rylee & Annie Belle Doucette
Gladstone, MI
Amy, Crista, and Ellen Sue,
The Celebration of Life Service that you held for your mom was very touching. Seeing the three of you standing beside her was a true testament of the love and respect you felt for her. She would have been so proud of all of you and her precious grandchildren, who were so well behaved.
Uncle Chris went for a walk this morning and he found a yellow helium balloon in his path. The color is the same shade as the balloons the grandchildren released in tribute. We live 500 miles away – could if be? Regardless,it was truly a sign that your mom’s spirit is still among us.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Marilyn and Chris Thompson
Canton, MI
Amy, Krista,Ellen & Family
In only working with your Mom for 4 years I felt like I have known her my whole life, Dale had a way of making people feel that way. That smile, those hugs, the laughter and heartfelt sincerity within her had a way of warming your heart and the surroundings around her. Your Mom has been such an inspiration to me in so many ways, her strength, will and perserverence to live was like something I have ever seen before, but was easily understood for her love and passion for you girls and grandchildren-you made her so proud!!! I know because of Dale I am a much stronger person today and have a much better appreciation on how precious each and every day is. I will never forget you DaleAnne Beaver and thank you for the time we had together I WILL CHERISH IT FOREVER!!!!
LOVE & PRAYERS
Leanne Vandermissen
Escanaba, MI
Amy & family,
I’ve been thinking about you today. Wish we could have been there to offer our support. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you today and will remain with you in the days ahead.
Diane & Al Fong
Saginaw, MI
Kevin-
Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time. We will always remember joking around with you guys by VanDamme’s camper at the U.P. State Fair. You are truly wonderful people and our deepest sympathy goes out to you right now. Take care.
Brandon and Tammi (Reynolds) Hill, Tom and Cherryl Reynolds, Dameon and Cassie (Reynolds) Harris
Cornell, MI
Amy,Crista & Ellen,
Your Mom was such a wonderful, loving, caring,and a very optomistic strong person and friend. She was also a very Big Inspiration to me. She touched my heart in many unforgettable ways. Not a day went by that I didn’t tell her how much she meant or how much I hoped to be as strong willed and loving as her when I/ as I grow up. She has touched so many peoples Hearts! Think of your moms Life not ..Gone away…, but Her Journey is Just Begining! She is resting now and out of Pain and suffering..
You 3 girls are so lucky..I’ve heard many, many stories of you all and also of the grandchildren and I know you already all know How Much Your Mom Cared for you all…
My Sincere Sympathy in your Sorrow,
Tammy Helman
Gladstone, MI
Dale Anne was a special friend. She always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye.
We had many good times at our camp. I remember bird hunting once with our husbands. It was just fun to be 4-wheeling and watching it all happen. We got a lot of birds too!
When Dale Anne got sick, she was always a trouper. She still wanted to go out to dinner or come over for a picnic or just get together. She was so-o strong. She even took up deer hunting. I loved it! You see, I am a hunter too. When Dale Anne got her buck, it was truly a delight for all to see and hear!
But most of all, I called her my “hero”. I called her this even before she got sick. We use to laugh at many funny stories she told about her past. Every time she would tell a story, I would call her my hero. When she battled cancer, I still called her my hero, but for a different reason. She was so strong, and her fight for life was driven by her love of her family. She loved her family more than anything. Her grandchildren were her light, and still are.
I will never forget my friend. She taught me to always look on the bright side of life. Even in the worst of times for her, she had an ability to deal with life in a regal way. Her love of Christ continued to show through. I hope I can continue to live my life the way Dale Anne lived hers.
Ruthann Skellenger
Gladstone, MI
Dear Beaver Family,
I am saddened by your loss. I’ve nothing but memories of Dale being kind, friendly, and positive. God bless your family during this hard time. Our family wishes you peace.
Mike and Kim Salmi
Hancock, MI
I can’t help from shedding tears as I read over the beautiful tributes to Dale Anne.
She has touched so many hearts in her lifetime, including mine, with her sparkling smile and loving personality. Amy, Christa, & Ellen Sue are fortunate to have so many of their Mom’s wonderful traits in them. If we all had a little of Dale in us, it would be a perfect world.
I feel blessed to have been Dale Anne?s neighbor and friend for 20+ years. She will always have a special place in my heart. Love you forever!
Patti Stropich
Rapid River, MI
Ellen and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You’re Mom was so warm, inviting, and always had the brightest smile for anyone she saw. You and your family are in my prayers.
Love,
Hope Bollig
Mt. Pleasant, MI
I will never forget the shining smiles,wonderful welcomes and heart-felt hugs of Dale Anne. She was a beautiful part of life for too short of a time. I will always remember her, especially when the East wind blows, because that’s when our treasured wedding wind chime comes alive with her voice! I will truly miss you, with deepest heartfelt sympathy, your Brother-in-law, Bob.
Bob Stocking
Grand Rapids, MI
Kevin, girls and grandkids,
Dale was always full of sunshine,laughter and strength,she was never going to give up.That is what she potrayed to me many times.The last time we talked she was so strong,may that and all of her wonderful attributes help you in this difficult time and bring you peace.
RIP Dale
With love,
Joe and Kathy Begovac
Trenary, MI
I was very sad to hear that Mrs. Beaver had passed away. She was such a warm, caring person. She would always stop for a chat when we met in passing, just to ask me how I was doing or what I was up to. She will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Jessi Bruntjens
Gladstone, MI
Kevin, Amy, Crista and Ellen and your extended family….
We are so sorry to learn of Dale passing away. She was always a fun person to be with when our kids went through school together.
We’ll always cherish the good visits with Kevin & Dale at the motorcycle pig roasts! The food was great!
God’s blessings be with all of you.
Dolly & Al Salmi
Rapid River, MI and Lake Worth, FL
Dear Beaver Family: Just want you to know what a special person your mother & grandmother was. Even in her illness she was always smiling and happy to be with people. We have been out to dinner on several occasions with your parents and John and Ruth Anne Skellenger. Your mother’s love of her girls and grandchildren were the focus of her life and our many conversations. You are what truly made her happy!
Our sincere sympathy to all of you in your loss. We know that she is still smiling on all of you.
Our friendship & prayers.
Sandy King & Bob Hewitt
Escanaba, MI
Amy and family;
I am so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. She was an amazing lady and we all thought she was the “cool” mom of the group. I hope you will take comfort in knowing how much she loved her girls and how proud she always was of you. God Bless!
Dana Stearns
Scottsdale, AZ
Amy Michelle, Crista and Ellen Sue,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. All of you were so blessed with such a wonderful mother and her spirit will live on through the three of you. God bless you and give you strength in the days ahead.
Michelle Knauf
Waukegan, IL
Amy and Family,
You did not have to know your Mom well to know what a kind person she was. She always had a smile to give. She faced her cancer with such grace, strength and dignity. My heart breaks knowing you all have to say good-bye. May your memories carry you through the difficult days. My prayers for you are that God will be with you and your families now and in the days ahead. God Bless.
Bridget (Bovin) Beauchamp
Neenah, WI
We would like to let you know that we are thinking of you and that your family is in our prayers and thoughts at this sad time. We are in Denver visiting Andrew and his family and are sorry we will not be able to attend the services for your mother. She was a strong and brave woman and we know you are proud of her. We send you our condolences. Randy, Linda, and family
Randy & Linda Bjork family
Gladstone, MI
I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Beaver family. Dale, thanks for all of the wonderful memories we have from the two of us coaching softball together, I will sure miss you.
I have one story to tell about Dale and I when our kids were in track together. Matt and Krista were in a meet when Mike Brunjens asked us if we would mind filming it for him. We said yes, and after the meet was over, he came to us and looked at us pretty funny. After reviewing the tape, he noticed there was no track meet, but just alot of trees and sky. We had it pointed to the sky the whole time…. oops.
Love,
Judy Tochterman
Gladstone, MI
To the family of Dale Ann Beaver:
We are praying for all of you. We are praying that you will sense the presence of God at this time of great lost. We pray that the gospel of Christ will be advance through this time. We pray that those who are troubled will find comfort in the Lord. We would like to share of verse of comfort with you it is found in II Cor. 5:8, “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” We know that Dale Ann is with the Lord. Praise God!
Pastor Pat Radue
Escanaba, MI
How do I say good-bye to someone who has been my best friend for over thirty years? Dale was the most kind, loving, and courageous person I have ever known. She touched the lives of so many people. She was family. I don’t have any family here so her family became my family instantly. I’ve watched her three daughters grow up and I must say that I am very proud of them. They were given the strength they needed to get through this, with your loving support and prayers. They were very protective of their mother because she was so incredibly important to thme. They only wanted the best for her. We were all hopeing for a miracle. I see now that the miracle was each and every day was a gift. The days I went over and crawled in bed with Dale and held her in my arms, the time she called me late at night and wanted me to tell her a story, the many times I spent with her getting her chemp, and our long heartfelt conversations were all a gift. Our conversations were jewels that live in my heart and soul and remail blessed memories. Dale was the greatest gift I have ever been given. She is now at peace which is what we were all praying for. She has no more pain. I thank God for putting this beautiful person in my life. It was a difficult year at times but it was a wonderful year. Dale, I will miss you every day for the rest of my life. Enjoy paradise!
Terri Neuens
Escanaba, MI
To the Beaver Family-
We are all very sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Beaver. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We hope time can heal your broken hearts.
Missy (VanDamme) Delmont
& The Entire VanDamme family
Watson, MI
My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you during this time.
Bob Nitz
Hudsonville, MI
I loved being Dale’s friend and working with her. Every time I think about her I have to smile, she was so cute and funny. She was always coming up with saying, like ” Dumb as a Stump.” I can see her bouncing in the back door of Nelson’s office saying Hi Charlene, I’m glad you are here today! She was such an upbeat, kind thoughtful and happy person. I don’t know anyone who did not love her. I’m sure God has a special place for her. It would be wonderful if this world had more Dales.
Love to all of you, Charlene & Robbie
Robbie & Charlene Robinson
Howell, MI
Dear Christa, Ellen & Amy,
Your mother will sure be missed by all of us. Work just won?t be the same without her. We always had so much fun in the lab together.
I loved our tips to see you Amy. We would solve the world?s problems and even have time to solve our own problems. She loved you girls so much and would talk about you and your families all the time
.you were her life!
I hope and pray that I have the kind of relationship with my kids that she had with your girls. I will cherish all the great memories we had and how blessed I was to know your mother.
Love you girls,
Jodi Fix
Escanaba, MI
Amy and Family
Your mother was such a warm and giving person. I have fond memories of her being our “track mom”. She was unique and one-of-a-kind. I know she has passed her wonderful traits on down to her daughters, and her legacy lives on.
My heart goes out to you all, and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Candice (Maki) Denoo
Fort Wayne, IN
To Amy, Crista and Ellen Sue,
Words alone cannot express the love I had for your mom. We worked together for 15 years and became close friends. She was such a fun and loving person. Girls, your mom may be gone, but I see so much of her in you. Her strength, honesty warmth, compassion and sense of humor. You made her so proud. I remember each and every time she found out she was going to be a Grandmother. She would come to the office and Say.”Guess what Gloria” and then I knew, Grandma to be again. She loved those grandkids so much. I am so lucky to have had a fiend like your mom. DaleAnne I loveyou and will miss you.
Your friend, Gloria
Escanaba, MI
I miss my grandma, a lot! I will miss her for my whole life. I will remember all the good times I had with her.
Katie Bush
Lowell, MI
I am so grateful to have had as wonderful an aunt as Aunt Dale. I’ll always remember Aunt Dale for her sweetness, her beauty, her kindness, her energy, her sense of humor, her strength and courage, and her strawberry jam! I love you Aunt Dale and I’m thankful I had the opportunity to tell you how special you’ll always be to me.
Brookie
Marquette, MI
From the days of our kids in school and baseball and all of the fun times while they were growing up, I have always had a place in my heart for Dale. She is truely a remarkable woman, and Mom and I will miss her. To the girls, I am truly sorry she had to leave you so soon, but your memories will carry you through. I can’t help but think of her when we have a bad thunderstorm — she really didn’t like them !!
Sue Mckenzie-DuRoy
Gladstone, MI
I took care of dale at OSF when she was first diagnosed, she was a wonderful person with much grace and dignity, I often thought of her and prayed for her, I am sorry for your loss.
Peg Gobert
Rapid River, MI
Amy and family –
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Kerri (Martin) Edwards
Farmington, MN
Amy, Crista, and Ellen,
I am really sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family.
Brian Brisbane
Grand Rapids, MI
Dear Kevin, Amy, Crista, Ellen, Newphews, Great Nieces and Newphews: How blessed my life has been since childhood to have Dale Anne in the family. I have nothing but wonderful, happy memories as I look back on Dale’s life and will always cherish our friendship and love for eachother. I know Dale is in a better place now, but I will miss her smile and spirit forever. I love you all.
Aunt Renee Beaver-Stocking
Grand Marais, MI
Crista and Family,
My heart goes out to all of you. Your Mom was such a beautiful person. She loved you all so much. I always loved going to the Beaver house. You could count on a smile and great food from Mrs. Beaver, and just felt welcomed there. I admired her spirit and the positive way she chose to live her life.
Crista, you are a strong and brave person/daughter.
A month ago, I confided in a dear, older friend, the battle your Mom was facing with cancer. I’d like to share the comforting words she wrote to me. “There is so much pain all around us and we just don’t understand, but God promises that one day we would understand. We just have to stand on His word. It is good for us to draw near to God. God loves us too much to let us stay as we are. Your friends mother will soon be done with the suffering of this world and what a blessing to know she loves the Lord. There is a song and the words go like this…I’m pressing on the upward way, New heights I’m gaining every day-Still praying as I’m onward bound, Lord plant my feet on higher ground. There is no other way except through Jesus Christ.”
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Tricia
Tricia Gouin
Niles, MI
At times like these, all of my theories and philosophies about life fail to make any sense…but one thing is for sure: In Dale Anne’s short life, she made more people feel happy, warm, comforted, alive with love and laughter and cared-for than most people can even try to do in a much longer lifetime. People like my aunt Dale Anne, are angels walking on the earth. She can never be replaced but will always live in our hearts…I can still hear her laughter, and it allows me to smile through my tears. Her strength has been an inspiration to us all. My cousins and uncle, for whatever it’s worth, I am sorry and my prayers are with you.
Penny Barney
Peoria, AZ
Amy, Krista, Ellen Sue, and Kevin;
Dale Anne was as beautiful on the inside as she always was on the outside. She always lifted my spirit with a card or even a chat at the grocery store. You clouldn’t help but to love her!
Pam Thorbahn
Gladstone, MI
Crista and family,
My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you during this time.
Jen DeZeeuw
Rapid River, MI
Your Mother was as beautiful on the inside, as she was on the outside. I’m sure she is the perkyest Angel buzzing around in heaven. I hope your memories will be of the happier times, and knowing how much she loved each one of you.
Pam Thorbahn
Gladstone, MI
Dear Amy and family
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dan Bovin
Breckenridge, CO
Amy, Crista, & Ellen,
I wish I could be there right now to wrap my arms around you all. There are no words I can find to let you know how sorry I am. I hope the bond the three of you share, along with your family and friends, will help you through this difficult time. You are in our every thought and prayer.
Dale Ann you are now in the most awesome place and I know you will continue to look down over all of us. We love you and will miss you always.
Love, Barbie, Chris, Andrew, & Adam
Grafton, WI
There are no words in the english language that would even be great enough to describe this wonderful women who will be greatly missed. God sure is lucky to be getting such a beautiful, caring angel. I will never forget Dale Anne. Amy and the girls were so blessed to have such a wonderful mother. Dale was always so friendly and caring, she truly made you feel welcome in her home. Amy, Tom, Christa, Ellen & Extended family, you are in my thoughts and prayers as is your mom. I wish God would have let us keep her here, the World needs more caring, smiling, friendly people like her here. Dale, the mom like everyone wish they had, you will be greatly missed.
Heather Alworden
Gladstone. MI
Words cannot express the love and gratitude I have towards my Aunt Beaver. I am deeply pained by the loss but cannot help but think she is in a much better place. She was an inspiration to everyone she came in contact with. Aunt Beav was such a strong and extremely beautiful woman both inside and out. I do not doubt she is now flying among the angels looking down on all of us. She will be sadly missed by all who loved her. Rest in Peace Aunt Beav.
Tommers
Saginaw, MI
My favorite Auntie… my auntie Beaver! The most beautiful woman in the world, so caring & kind. Auntie Beaver always had a smile on her face, an ear to listen & a shoulder to cry on. She will live on in my heart forever & ever.
Jeana LaCarte
Escanaba, MI
To My Dear Friend Dale Ann:
The day we met each other I knew we would be close friends we laughed and understood each others family and what we needed to talk about that would go no further. I knew if I needed to blow off steam or laugh at something or need a recipe or just hang out that you where the person to go to. Our friendship was never a competition of who did something better faster or right. You always wanted to make me comfortable . I just know you where ok with where you were going and trusted God to take you there and we here will miss you forever . I will think of you when I first day of warm weather in spring comes, the blueberry patches are ready,when anyone ever makes a carrot cake which I have never tasted one better than yours,or the mention of Grand Maria or sand dunes. I can?t pass a ice-cream shops without thinking of Dale Ann?s ice cream, or yogurt and wonder if there machines are as clean as hers were. Each morning when I wake up I read the plaque on the wall you gave that said ?Treat each day as if it is a gift from God, Laugh til the sounds of it fills the heavens with joy and Love just because you are loved? I cherish it. . When I look at our street I will miss taking the walk down just to see you smile. I never thought this time would come but I must say goodbye. Goodbye my very good friend. I will always think of you and will never forget you. Love your very good friend Bonnie
Bonnie DeMay
Gladstone, MI
Dear Amy, Tom & Children, and Extended Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Amy, I am so thankful you had the chance to be with your Mom and walk with her through her journey toward a better life. May God bless you and your family with many wonderful memories and a peace that only He can give.
Love, Rita
Rita Dykhouse
Grand Rapids. MI
Thinking about you, and praying for you and your family.
Love,
Ed, Heidi, and Nolan Yahrmarkt
Ada, MI
To the Beaver Family:
When one loses a friend there is a hole in one’s heart that will take time to heal. The last time I talked to DaleAnn she still had the positive attitude that she was going to continue treatment and beat cancer again. Within a week things sure did change. She is now in a better place, let all of the wonderful memories help you get through these times and know that there are alot of people that she touched. She was one of the sweetest girls I every met and we sure had alot of good times together. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Whatever might you need just call.
Phil & Virginia Petersen
Gladstone, MI
Dan & Ellen & family,
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved Mother & Grandma. She was a wonderful person, I’m glad to have gotten to her. Our prayers are with you all during this time!
Aunt Marie & Kevin
Marie Chenier
Escanaba, MI
Dale was a beautiful person-she will be missed. She always had a smile for all of Amy’s friends.
Girls-we love you!
Sara
Sara Hawker (Karnitz)
Green Bay, WI