Beverly J. Bontrager, 89, of Elkhart, went home to be with the Lord at 4:17 a.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at Elkhart General Hospital

Beverly was born on January 27, 1927 in Elkhart to Howard and Edna (Parcell) Herrli. She married Galen Bontrager on May 31, 1945. He preceded her in death on September 4, 2013.

Beverly is survived by daughters, Gayle (Craig) Thielen of Goshen, Beth (Wayne) Key of Elkhart; grandchildren, Christi Rucker, Jennifer (John) Martin, Lon Eric Smith, Crystal (Kyle) Garrett; and eight great-grandchildren, with a ninth expected to arrive in May. Beverly adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by sisters, Betty (Bruce) Griner and Doris (Dutch) Johnson.

Beverly graduated from Elkhart High School. She owned Queen Bee Puppets with her husband, Galen. During that time, they directed "God's Handful" Puppet team for 15 years.

Beverly attended Zion Missionary Church, where she took part in the "His Helping Hands" sewing group. She was a member of the "Sew Angelic Hatters"- Red Hat Society. Beverly was an excellent seamstress, enjoyed scrapbooking, reading, Quartet Gospel concerts, and playing Euchre.

Friends may call from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Sun., January 22, 2017 at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home. The memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Mon., January 23, 2017 at Zion Missionary Church. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be given to "His Helping Hands" sewing group at Zion Missionary Church.