Beverly Deerwester Obituary

Beverly J. "Bev" Deerwester

Beverly J. "Bev" Deerwester, 86, of Fostoria, passed away peacefully Monday, June 30, 2025, at ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital after a short illness.

Bev was born April 30, 1939, in McComb, to Joe and Mildred Beatty Shoop. A proud 1957 graduate of McComb High School, she went on to earn her teaching degree in home economics from Bowling Green State University in 1961, where she was a member of Phi Mu Sorority. That same year, she married the love of her life, Mark F. Deerwester, July 30 at St. John's Lutheran Church in McComb.

Bev's career was dedicated to education and community service. She began teaching at Lakota High School but stepped away to raise her growing family. Later, she fulfilled a long-time dream by serving as a Wood County Extension Agent and 4-H advisor, before returning to the classroom when her family relocated to Fostoria. She taught with passion and dedication for over 30 years, including summers spent working in Migrant Education programs. In retirement, she joined the US Census Bureau - a challenging role she deeply valued for the people she met and the stories she heard.

Bev had a vibrant personality and a heart for connections. She was active in many bridge clubs, loved cooking and amassed a cherished collection of over 300 cookbooks - most of which she had a favorite recipe to prepare. She sewed clothing for her children and created costumes for local theater productions her husband directed or starred in. Bev also enjoyed collecting glassware from the Fostoria area, blending history with beauty.

She was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Fostoria, where she served as a deacon and was active in Presbyterian Women's Group and Feed My Kids ministry. This was a cherished time in her life spending it with her dear friends. Bev was involved in FHA as an advisor and Lakota Young Farm Wives. Her service was recognized by the community, including being named Woman of the Year by the Fostoria Business and Professional Women and Volunteer of the Year by the YMCA.

Bev's favorite pastime, aside from spending time with family, was enjoying the rail park, sipping a Diet Coke, reading her newspaper, making her to-do lists, checking out the license plates from the various states that visited, and watching the trains roll by. She found comfort and a sense of calm in that "Triangle".

Above all, Bev treasured her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mark, with whom she spent 50 years, and her parents, Joe and Mildred Shoop.

She is survived by her beloved children, Laura "Laurie" (Tina Probasco) Deerwester of Columbus, Mark L (Tammy) Deerwester of North Baltimore, Michael J "Mike" (Rachel) Deerwester of Massillon, and Matthew K "Matt" (Melanie) Deerwester of Hilliard; and her bonus children, Robert "Rob" (Chris) Newman of Canton and Vicki (Pete) Fallgren of Oak Harbor; grandchildren, Cassie (Dan) Ford, Miranda (Nicholas) Causey, Mark Jordan Deerwester, Casey (Stephen) Clark, Grace, Amelia and Caroline Deerwester, Maria (Danny) Rodriguez Hijo, Mason, Max and Michael Deerwester, Robbie, Olivia, Ayla and Quinn Newman and Joshua and Hayley Fallgren. She was blessed with seven great-grandchildren, Lucy and Nora Ford, Everly, Anna and Adeline Clark, and Logan and Rowan Causey.

She leaves behind her siblings, John (Nancy) Shoop of McComb, Rebecca (David) Stearns of Findlay, Laura (Ron) Routson of Findlay, and Shirley (Wayne) Fausey of Fostoria. There are numerous cousins and extended family members, and an uncle, Jim (Nancy) Beatty of Cardington, who will keep a piece of Bev in their hearts.

She has countless dear friends living and many cherished friends who are no longer here, sharing a loving history with Bev.

Mom never met a stranger. Her kindness, warmth, and generosity left an impression on everyone she encountered. She lived her life with love, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to others. "Life's too short!" was her motto, told to her children and grandchildren many times over. Her family was her greatest joy.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Friday, July 4, 2025, at Hoening & Son Funeral Home, 133 W. Tiffin St., Fostoria, and from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, Fremont St, Fostoria, with funeral service at 11 a.m. A luncheon will be at noon, followed by burial at McComb Union Cemetery at 2 p.m. It's a holiday weekend. Please be comfortable. She would want that.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church Deacon's Fund, Fostoria Community Arts Council, Fostoria Rail Preservation Society, or Glass Heritage Gallery, all causes close to her heart.

Online expressions of sympathy and shared memories may be made by visiting www.hoeningfuneralhome.com