NIAGARA FALLS — Beverly Elizabeth Bowes Henchbarger passed away in her home on December 13, 2011. Born in Clearfield, PA, on January 4, 1924, she married William Augustus Henchbarger II, also of Clearfield, in 1945, who died in 1994. They moved to Niagara Falls after his discharge from the Navy in 1946.

Beverly leaves two daughters, Marvin L. (Laurie Dean Torrell) at home, and Tracy of Escondido, CA; son, William A. III (Odessa) of Niagara Falls; grandchildren, Michael, Chandler Elizabeth and William A. IV (Max) Henchbarger; long-time friends, Lucy Hinkle and Doris Phillips; and extended family members, Kathleen Schmitt Ryer (Lockport), Tina and Andrea Galyn (Niagara Falls), Betty Falbo (Niagara Falls) and Patty Falbo Williams (Grand Island) and Paul Nagel (El Cajon, CA). She was predeceased by older siblings, Marion Rowena Everett and Jean Marshman, both of Michigan, and Marvin L. Bowes of Colorado; and close friend, Lucille "Tuey" Booth.

Friends and aides whose loving care made it possible for "Bowsie" or "Beautiful Bev" to remain at home during her lengthy illness include Tina Galyn, Janine Reinard, Dorothy DeLong, Heidi Schweitzer Smith and Katie Gannon; and the staff of Niagara Hospice.

Beverly was the daughter of Marvin A. and Mabel Young Bowes. Marvin died of a heart attack at age 28 while working as a baggage handler for the railroad. Beverly and her brother were raised in Clearfield by paternal grandparents, Arthur Graham and Myrtle McKinley Bowes; and uncles Guy, Byron, Earl and Leslie Bowes.

Beverly had a thirst for knowledge and commitment to helping others that were driving forces throughout her life. She was one of nine women who formed the NON (No One Knows) Club after meeting through the Sugar Street School PTA, and met once a month for almost 50 years.

Beverly was involved in numerous community activities and groups, including the Niagara Presbyterian Church, the Town of Niagara Lioness, Town of Niagara Historical Society, the Niagara County Genealogical Society and Meals on Wheels. She was a Girl Scout leader with the late Isabel Clingersmith, and assisted the late Mary Corra with the old Town of Niagara Senior Citizens Center. Beverly participated in Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG) when her oldest daughter came out as lesbian, and supported friends whose children identified as gay or lesbian. She had a love of animals and at the time of her death had four cats that could often be found napping with her.

She was elected to a term on the Niagara Wheatfield Center School District Board of Education and worked for the Niagara County Council for the Aging.

The family will be present at the Lane Funeral Home (8622 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls 14304), on Thursday and Friday from 4:00-8:00 PM. Services will be held at the Niagara Presbyterian Church (3712 Military Road, Town of Niagara 14305), on Saturday at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Niagara Hospice (4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport 14094), or Gay & Lesbian Youth Services of WNY (371 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo 14202).