Kathleen F. "Kathy" Bevers

Kathleen Frances (DeVine) Bevers of Platteville, WI, age 77, passed away peacefully in her daughter Amy's home in the evening on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

Kathleen was born on June 15, 1948 in Watertown, SD to Fritz and Jean DeVine. She grew up surrounded by a large family in several small towns in SD, including three sisters, a brother, and a crew of cousins who felt like siblings. Kathy shared many fond memories with her grandparents during her childhood, who also lived with her family for a time. While growing up, she loved to read and continued that passion throughout her life.

Kathy graduated from Hayti High School in 1966. On August 27, 1966, she married the love of her life, Maynard Bevers, who passed away in 2020 after 54 years of marriage. Just as they are now together for eternity, they were very rarely not side by side in life. Kathy and Maynard raised four daughters and a son as they moved across the Midwest from Colorado Springs, CO and Brookings, SD to Marshfield, Platteville, Tomah, and Appleton, WI due to Maynard's time in the military and his various positions with telephone companies. No matter where she went, Kathy always considered South Dakota her home. In the late 70's, Kathy briefly worked for the Platteville Telephone company as a telephone operator. Otherwise, she spent her time caring for her children and grandchildren. After Maynard passed away, Kathy moved back to Platteville and made many wonderful friends at Park Place Apartments.

Kathy was an active member of Platteville Lutheran Church of Peace and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Appleton, as her faith in God was very important to her. She served on several church committees and was proud of the work she did to help build up the Platteville Lutheran Church library. Kathy was also deeply involved in women's Bible study groups. Nothing brought Kathy more joy than making memories with family, especially around the holidays. She loved to be surrounded by family - talking, laughing, and supporting them in their pursuits. Kathy also enjoyed traveling with her husband. For nine years, they traveled the country in their RV and visited family along their way. While on the road or at home, Kathy was rarely seen without her photo albums or a crossword book in her hand. She also enjoyed watching the birds that would visit her window feeder and had a special soft spot for cardinals.

In the final years of her life, Kathy spoke about how she felt that supporting those in need was her purpose here on Earth. She lived that truth every day of her life. Kathy was always quick to lend a listening ear and words of kindness, positivity, and hope to anyone who needed her. Those who knew her will never forget the warmth and comfort of having a conversation with her or receiving a thoughtful handwritten message from her. Her spirit lives on through the kindness, compassion, and love that she gave so freely to those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Kathy is survived by her children: Brenda of Madison, WI; Amy (Shannon) Butson of Platteville, WI; Brett (Shannon) Bevers of Stevenson Ranch, CA; and Heather (Rory Jentz) Bevers of Hortonville, WI; as well as her seven precious grandchildren: Devin Roberson; Logan, Blake, and Austin Butson; and Samantha, Avery, and Wesley Bevers. She is also survived by her sisters Ginner Olson, Pauley (Terry) Kasten, and Audrey (Ray) Lewno; her brother Steve (Delane) DeVine; her brothers-in-law Robert (Rita) Bevers, Eugene (Dee) Bevers, and Tom (Carol) Bevers; her sisters-in-law Evelyn Jones and Phyllis Bevers; and her many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Jennifer Roberson; her husband Maynard Bevers; her parents, Fritz and Jean DeVine; her parents-in-law Willis and Elizabeth Bevers; her brothers-in-law, Richard Olson, Gerald, Dwayne, Donald Bevers, Cliff Jones, and Wilbur DeBoer; and her sisters-in-law, Virginia, Dolores, Joie, Carol Bevers, and Phyllis DeBoer along with several beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice, RN Breann, and CNA Jodi for their gentle care and support over the past year.

Kathy will be laid to rest in a private family service at the Whig Cemetery in Platteville, WI on December 8, 2025. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.