Beverly J. Karlen

Beverly J. Karlen, age 92, passed from this earthly life to her Heavenly home on Saturday, February 8th, 2025 after 5 years of declining health. 

She was born in Alliance to Frank and Mable (Wingert) Oyster on June 15th, 1932, one of 5 siblings. 

She graduated from Alliance High School in 1950 and married Jay H. Karlen on June 25th, 1950. They had been married 55 years at the time of his passing. Beverly was a homemaker, gardener and the mother of 4 children.

Beverly was a lifetime member of Science Hill Community Church and served the church throughout her life in a variety of ministries. She was a talented seamstress, and enjoyed Euchre club, Ruritan events and golf with her husband. Bev also worked on the Election Board and was a charter member of The Modern Homemakers. 

She cared for her husband for 22 years after his stroke. They wintered in Florida for 10 years where she learned to make porcelain dolls. Bev made personalized dolls, as well as the clothes, for all the girls in the family. She was meticulous in details and embellishments. She collected dolls, plates and bird figurines. Her house was always decorated for the season. Beverly loved animals, especially her cat Joey. 

Her family was most important to her. She followed grandchildren’s sporting events as she could and loved having the family gather for holidays, birthdays, or just because. 

Those left to cherish her memory are daughter, Charlene (Ray) Boyce of Alliance; son, Charles Karlen of South Carolina; son, Gary (Bonnie) Karlen of Minerva; grandchildren Randi (Mike) Duchon, Matt (Lindy) Boyce, Katy (Adam) Todd, Kristi (Allen) Mangus, Kassi (Andy) Smosarski, and Kyle (Brittany) Karlen; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ray and Herbert, and son-in-law, Chuck Bryant. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jay; her daughter, Cheryl; sister, Ruth; brother, Melvin; and daughter-in-law, Jackie Karlen. 

A funeral service will be held at Science Hill Community Church on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Senior Living in Alliance for caring for “Miss Bev” with love and compassion. Also, thanks go out to the staff at Affinity Hospice for their care and comfort. 

Memorial donations can be made to Science Hill Community Church at 12316 Beeson St NE, Alliance.