Beverly Kay McDonell

1935 - 2019

Beverly Kay (Smith) McDonell, 83, was a lady who lived life her way. Bev, as she was known to family and friends, left this world to join Leonard on Sunday, January 6, 2019. Beverly was born December 26, 1935 to Perry and Fern Smith, who preceded her in death. She married the love of her life, Leonard McDonell September 25, 1959.
Bev was a pioneer for Ford Motor Company where she was one of the first lady buyers of engine parts. Her being a buyer surprised many companies when she made her first appearance. It did not take long for them to realize Bev knew her job and she loved the challenge. Beverly worked for 45 years at Ford Motor Company before retiring.
Beverly and Lenny bought a farm in Litchfield in 1972, "McDonell Happy Acres." They became known as the "City Farmers." They raised Santa Gertrudis cattle. Bev and Len spent summers with friends and Mother Nancy growing vegetables and canning, living out of a chicken coop. In 2002 they built their dream home which has been the place of many family gatherings and even a wedding reception. They took great pleasure in landscaping their yard.
Beverly is survived by her sisters, Ina (Edward) Woolum, Sheila Wortman, brother-in-laws Gerald McDonell, Hugh (Audrey) Hartsell, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by Leonard, her parents, two brother-in-laws, James and William.
Bev started at Ford Motor Company in 1954 and quickly bought the car of her dreams, a 1955 Ford convertible with glass packs. Throughout her life she loved to challenge herself. Bev was a pilot, ice danced and skated competitively and was 5th degree black belt in karate. She loved to travel including trips to Alaska, China, Australia and all of Europe. As an antique lover, Bev specialized in collecting dolls and Victorian era pieces. She could find an antique store in any town she passed.
Beverly was a lover of animals. Her passion was her three house cats, Lily, Angel and Tiger. She also kept many barn cats. She supported many animal organizations. Beverly loved animals and shared that passion with her many friends.
Beverly was a member of the Litchfield First Baptist Church, Antiquated Friends, Litchfield Area Historical Society and the Tecumseh Questers Chapter. She loved her church and enjoyed decorating the Christmas tree yearly.
Funeral services for Beverly Kay McDonell will be held Friday, January 11, at 10 a.m. at the Litchfield First Baptist Church with Pastor Brent Stille officiating. Interment will follow in the Cadillac Memorial Gardens West in Westland, MI. Family will receive friends for visitation on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society or Litchfield Baptist Church.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield.
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.