Beverly Jean Gouty

Beverly Jean "Jean" Gouty (née Hundley), age 89, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025 due to complications from a stroke and dementia at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan, Kansas. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and woman of deep faith, Jean's life was marked by love, generosity, and unwavering commitment to her family and church.

Born in the Kansas City, Missouri on July 11, 1936, Jean graduated from Northeast High School in Kansas City, Missouri. On June 24, 1955, she married Otis Dean Gouty and began a lifelong partnership that would span decades and take them across the country. As a newlywed, she supported Otis while he pursued his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Kansas-earning her "Putting Hubby Through" diploma which was awarded by the University. Their journey together led them to live in Missouri, Kansas, New York, New Jersey, Louisiana, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Florida, Ohio, and Texas-some locations more than once. They also traveled extensively throughout the United States with multiple trips to California and also to Europe. While Otis ventured to Israel and Jordan alone, Jean chose to stay behind. They also made multiple trips to visit children and grandchildren.

Jean was deeply rooted in her Christian faith from an early age. She accepted Jesus as her Savior at just five years old and remained active in church life throughout her life. Known affectionately as "Granny," she was always ready to share her faith with those around her. She taught a women's group at her church-doing her own research and preparation-until memory challenges made it too difficult to continue. Her spiritual influence extended into her marriage as well; she played a pivotal role in encouraging Otis's religious growth and his decision to attend Bible College and Seminary after their children were grown.

A gifted homemaker with a generous spirit, Jean found joy in cooking, sewing, crafting, and especially gifting handmade items to loved ones. One of her final projects was creating several dozen cloth bean-bag dolls modeled after one she had received from a Sunday School teacher during childhood. These lovingly crafted dolls were shared with family and friends as tokens of her enduring kindness.

Jean is survived by her three children: Otis "Dean" Gouty II of Hilliard, Ohio and his wife Martha; Brenda McElyea and husband Lester; Dale Gouty and wife Judy. She leaves behind ten grandchildren: Billy Gouty, Chris Gouty, Kim Gouty; Melissa Waselovich, Betsy Waselovich, Golda Waselovich-Jay, Allie Shorkey; Rebecca Gouty, Andrew Gouty, and Jennifer Bourbon. Her legacy continues through twenty-one great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her brother Charles Arthur Hundley III and two nieces.

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband Otis Dean Gouty; her parents Charles Arthur Hundley Jr. and Loutreces Anette Lundberg Hundley; and nephew Brian Hundley.

Throughout her life's journey-from young bride supporting a student husband to matriarch guiding generations-Jean remained steadfast in love and faith. Her gentle nature touched all who knew her.

May Beverly Jean Gouty's memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life will be held on November 2, 2025, at 01:30 PM at Manhattan First Assembly of God, 2310 Candlewood Dr. All are invited to a Pot Luck Lunch at 12:30 PM (following the Sunday morning church service) prior to the Celebration of Life in honor of Granny at the church.