Beverly Short Warner

is honored with a Brick from Margaret Wade

Beverly Short Warner was born in the small town of Osage, Oklahoma to Zenus and June Short on April 1, 1934. The family moved to Wichita during World War II as so many families did to work in the aircraft industry. Permanent friendships and bonds were established at that time and are still active to this day. Bev and I met in the 5th grade and I knew I had struck gold when she graciously gave up recess to help me thru some arithmetric problems.

Bev had 3 brothers, “Slick”, Jack, and Jerry and 4 sisters, Janiece, Norma, Georgia, and Carol. Along with her parents they were a fun-loving group of people to be around. Needless to say, many of Bev’s friends preferred being at her house rather than their own. There was always laughter and lots of teasing from her older siblings. When Bev was 16 her dad let her drive one of the family cars which was a Hudson Coupe; the year of the car was probably early 40's, and it was given to fits of contrariness on cold mornings, which more times than not made us a little late to school. Those were the days before seat belts so you could always count at least 4 or 5 teenagers in a 3-seater car. Bev was a careful and attentive driver so there were no close calls (to speak of). A lot of fun and good times were had in that old brown car, especially pooling money to buy a couple gallons of gas which at that time ran a hefty 25 cents per.

Even in her youth Bev never said anything negative or mistreat anybody as most kids are prone to do. Her kindness and generosity didn’t go unnoticed by classmates and teachers. She was an excellent student and graduated with honors. She attended Friends University and received a teaching degree with Wichita University.

She taught school for a number of years and was proactive in civil and women’s rights while raising 4 wonderful kids (Missy, Becky, Kenny, and Kyle) along with her husband Bill, the love of her life. After retiring from teaching, she took some creative writing classes where she was encouraged to have her works published, but she chose not to pursue that career to have more time with her family. She makes herself available to help and care for those in need without seeking praise or acknowledgement. She is a master quilter and every family member and many friends have been the recipient of her beautiful handwork..

Through the trials of life, including the deaths of her husband and other loved ones, she has never lost her concern and compassion for others. Those who know her have been inspired by her unassuming manner and the ability to find only the good in people. There is not a pretentious bone in her body. Bev is my role model and will always be a heroine to me and others. I can think of no better way to honor her friendship to me for these many years.

Margaret Wade