Beverly Lou Artlip, a woman known for her unwavering dedication to her people, her stubborn streak, her empathy and her unconditional love, passed away into heaven on November 13, 2023, at the age of 85. The daughters who loved her best and who she drove completely insane were privileged to be beside her holding her hands. Born on March 1, 1938, Beverly's life was a testament to her incredible strength and resilience.
Beverly faced numerous challenges throughout her life, but she never let them define her. As a young woman, she found herself raising four children alone while pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. Despite the hardships she faced, Beverly's determination and unwavering spirit led her to get her GED and go on to graduate as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the early 1970s.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Alvin and Cecil Wylie; her brother, Jerry Wylie; her son, David Cash; and her beloved, grandson, Brad Artlip. The loss of these family members left a void in Beverly's heart, but she continued to carry their memories with her, cherishing the love they shared and things that might have been.
Beverly's journey as a mother began at a young age when she gave birth during her teenage years to two beautiful boys, David and John Cash. Although she regretted with all her heart and spent a lifetime living with the guilt of leaving the boys with their father after their divorce, she made it her life's mission to try to be the best mother she could be to her four additional children.
She embraced this role as she eventually became a single mother to Laura Verboom, Beverly Ann (John) Haley, Robert Artlip, and Kimberley (Brian) Steffes. She tried hard to nurture, guide and instill in them the values of love, empathy and kindness that she embodied every day in the people she cared for passionately in her nursing career.
Beverly's love extended beyond her immediate family, as she was blessed with many grandchildren. While she was unable to be close to all of them, she cherished the moments she shared with those she could. David's children; Kelly Cash, David Lee Cash, Desire Cash, and Aaron Cash continue to pass on their father’s great love, as do John's children, Shawn Cash, Tammy Cash, Jeremy Cash, and Michael Cash. Laura's children, Brad Artlip, Danielle Cline, Tony Cline, and Chet (Niki) Kemp, held a special place in her heart, as did Kimberley's children, Jennifer (Matt) Rubino and Phillip (Jessica) Steffes.
Beverly's legacy continued to grow with the arrival of her great-grandchildren. Her son David has 11 grandchildren: Breann Cash, Jacob Nawrocki, Autumn, Roland, Riley and Madeline Cash, Zayden, Lincoln Cash and Gracelynn Cassiday and finally Reid and Piper Cash. Son John was blessed with Morgan, Ben, Jacob Cash, and Grayson Kolasse. Laura's grandchildren, Kloe Bird, Lily Bird, Wyatt Kemp and Cheyanne brought smiles to her face, while Kimberley's grandchildren, Kennedi Rubino and Oliver Rubino, filled her heart with love. Bev was very impressed with Robert’s daughter, Katelynn (Camron) McLaughlin and her continued service to our country. Robert also has a son, Justin. And through John’s great-granddaughter Morgan, Bev was excited to learn she has a great-great-grandchild, Bryson!
Bev had a love for animals that she passed down to all her children. She loved to reminisce about her childhood dogs “Frisky” and “Sport.” She filled her house with furry things from those special friendships on. As an adult, one standout was “Shadow.” A truly best dog. Of special note, however, was her “soul dog” little pug mix “Yoda” who loved her back as much as she loved him and never left her side even when she wasn’t her best.
Living at a senior apartment for the past 18 years, Bev made many deep friendships with women she cherished as sisters. Many of them welcomed her to heaven. We are confident that the red hat mafia is riding their scooters on the golden streets of heaven worshiping Jesus with Elvis’s gospel songs blasting.
She was so grateful to reconnect, be forgiven and to be loved by her oldest living son, John Cash, his wife, Leslie and their youngest son, Michael, especially in the last weeks of her life. God is good!
Beverly will be remembered as a woman who touched the lives of everyone she cared for. Her fiery nature, empathetic spirit, and unconditional love will forever be etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to really know her. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we will celebrate the legacy of love and life lessons she leaves behind and strive to emulate the perseverance, faith and compassion that defined her life.
Bev asked to be cremated and for her remains to be spread at the base of the lilac tree where many beloved pets also rest. May the springtime scent of Lilac remind us forever of our beautiful Beverly Lou Wylie Cash Artlip.
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Bev’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com
Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.
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