Beverly A. (McFatridge) Dudley

Beverly A. (McFatridge) Dudley

Springtown, Texas

It’s a bit hard to believe that the woman who had something to say about everything slipped quietly onto the risers of the heavenly choir, to sing the words of praise she spent her life studying.

That translates into we, her children, must now wade through a lifetime of Bible courses and conference notes filling the bookcases and closet shelves.

Beverly A. Dudley, 82, Springtown, Texas, took up residence in Glory on March 2, 2023.

Beverly was born July 13, 1940, the first child of Ray L. Wolfe and Florence Beatrice Wolfe (Burns) in Dubuque, Iowa.

Beverly grew up with a love of music passed down from her Nana Burns. She loved not only singing but was an accomplished accordionist, once being lent Myron Florens’ accordion to compete after bumping her bellows on a bedpost. After rheumatic fever caused her to be unable to play the accordion she turned to tinkering on an old organ and singing in the church choir.

She grew up in a variety of places, mostly around Monticello, Iowa, with her three younger brothers.

She married Cecil W. McFatridge on Feb. 4, 1960, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Together they raised three children until Dad’s accident in 1980.

Mom had a variety of skills and managed to make a career out of most of them. After leaving her job at Square D, and to meet the needs of pampered little Suzette, she ventured into the world of dog grooming.

Mom had many longtime grooming clients and I became the bather helper. Possibly why I’m overrun with poodles today.

Mom also was skilled in upholstery and sewing. She inherited her love of crochet from her mother but could never quite get the knitting.

Mom moved out into the public service industry as a customer service rep for Kieck’s, then into furniture sales at Montgomery Ward’s.

After Dad’s accident Mom went a smidge wonky and had a few adventures but they eventually led her to meeting and marrying Gilbert F. Dudley on Nov. 22, 1985. Together they loved to travel with amusements and spend time with special friends.

They came off the road and relocated to Texas in 1986 to be near family.

Together Mom and Gil worked at First Company in Dallas, Texas.

Mom and Gil moved To Denton, Texas, where Mom put her skills to work in her own alterations/sewing shop. Mom then continued in the sales and service industry at McNatt Dodge and finally as a flooring specialist for Home Depot. Did we mention that she had many skills?

After retiring, Mom and Gil devoted more time to Bible studies and their yard. They still had dreams of another fifth-wheel to travel but various health issues held them back.

Mom had her ways and she liked what and who she liked. When she got a notion in her mind she was like a hamster on a wheel and she was the absolute best at reinventing history. She was a devoted friend and a source of strength. She was our Mom.

Mom lost her beloved Gil just weeks ago and with him her partner in life. I know he was there to escort her to the choir room and he stands quietly to the side, watching his love.

Mom was preceded in death by our dad, her Gil, her parents, her brother Harley and many precious friends (Ruby) and extended family (Aunt Betty).

She is survived by brothers Robert Wolfe and Merle Wolfe, her children Jerry McFatridge, Cal (Danelle) McFatridge and Miki (Jim) Taylor.

Grandchildren: Eli McFatridge, Hoss McFatridge, Christopher McFatridge, Tina Danner, Joel McFatridge, Rachael McFatridge, Brendan Taylor (Alissa), Vanessa DeSpain(Alex), Aiden Taylor and great-granddaughter and namesake Everly Claire Taylor. And many more friends and extended family.

Mom didn’t want a formal service. The family will have a celebration of life at a later date.

Mom’s passing has left a scar on many hearts. Her wish would be for people to know the Lord-so that she can recruit you to sing.

We wish to thank Heart to Heart Hospice for their wonderful care of both Gil and Mom. Donations may be made to htohhfoundation.org.