Beverly Ann Catharine (Kelley) Hering, age 86, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2016 at Dove West Healthcare after a courageous battle with cancer. Beverly was born in Eau Claire on June 1, 1929 to Onie and Clarence Kelley. She attended St. Patrick's High School, graduating in 1947. She married Harold "Babe" Hering, the love of her life, on January 25, 1958. Bev's first love was dancing with Babe. Their love of music often brought them to Fournier's Ballroom where they danced to the Big Band sounds of Les Brown and His Band of Renown, The Paul Whiteman Orchestra, Eddie Howard, Howie Sturtz, Conrad Johns, and so many others. Their favorite song was "Maybe". Everyone who knew Bev and Babe loved to watch them dance, for although they never took lessons, they flowed across the dance floor with joy and grace. In their early years they would dance as many as five nights a week, and still enjoyed a few steps on the dance floor well into their 80s, until their last dance in February 2015. Babe had a band of his own, and Bev was his number one fan, attending most of his dance jobs and making many friends along the way. Bev and Babe had a small family farm until 1970. Bev was an avid gardener with beautiful flower gardens filled with lilies, tulips, roses and many other varieties. She was creative indoors as well, making scrapbooks for all of her children and grandchildren; she knitted scarves, mittens and blankets for family and friends; she did needlepoint artwork; she crafted handmade rosaries which she presented to family members at confirmation; and together with Babe, she completed hundreds of puzzles, some of which were framed. Bev and Babe had dozens of friends of all ages, and they loved to socialize. They enjoyed card games, an annual Yule Bakken progressive party, and camping trips, complete with singing around a campfire. Much of their socializing involved the Moose Club. Bev belonged to the Women of the Moose for 54 years, becoming a member in 1962. She and Babe helped build the Moose Lodge from the ground up and were instrumental in growing the membership. She held the offices of Senior Regent, Recorder, and Star Recorder, and earned her Cap and Gown in 2001. Ninety-seven members were enrolled under her sponsorship. Bev was very active with the Roosevelt Elementary School PTA when her children were young. She was an Avon Representative and worked for Stucky Chirporactic for 25 years until she retired in 2003. She was a volunteer at election time and believed in being involved in the community. Bev was a bright, fun-loving tour de force. As the disciplinarian in the family, she was a believer in tough love, with a big emphasis on love. She and Babe taught by example how to be good people, consistently exhibiting kindness, generosity, and the Golden Rule. She loved her family and her friends and was loved in return. She was an incredible woman. She will be missed by her son, Bruce (Lisa O'Brien) Hering; her daughter and son-in-law Barb and Scott Eisold; seven grandchildren, Ben (Kelly) Hering, Nick (Jayme) Eisold, Allie (Chris) Beyl, Jake Hering, Greg Eisold, Amanda Franson, Tommy Franson; two great-grandchildren, Austin and Charlotte Beyl; sister Shirley Welter; sister-in-law Arlene Hering; Aunt Florence Chandler; Jamie Patti; Keith Franson; special neighbors, Lynda Olson and Annie Montgomery; and many other wonderful relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold "Babe" Hering, her parents, and her daughter Sue Franson. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 26 from 5-7 p.m. at the downtown location of Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home on First Avenue, Eau Claire. The Women of the Moose Rites will be held at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 26 with a visitation one hour before the Mass at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th Street, Eau Claire with Father Tom Kreig officiating. Inurnment at Rest Haven Cemetery, Eau Claire. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Mayo Hospice and the staff at Dove Healthcare West Reflections Unit for their loving care over the last 9 months. Thank you for helping Mom to smile each day. "He has turned her mourning in joyful dancing."

Service Information

Cemetery

Rest Haven Cemetery 5750 Old Town Hall Road Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Friday, February 26 2016 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Mass of Christian Burial

Saturday, February 27 2016 1:00 PM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703