1931-2026
Beverly Lee Simonson, 95, passed away May 9, 2026, at Brookdale Assisted Living, Great Bend, Kansas. She was born on February 3, 1931, in Nevada, Iowa, to Claud and Thelma (Butler) Chaffin. On September 18, 1948, she married Donald Dale Simonson in Great Bend. He passed on May 1, 2007.
A longtime Great Bend resident, Beverly was an extremely talented artist. Mostly self-taught, she shared that knowledge by being instrumental in forming the Cottonwood Art Guild in the late 1950’s-early 1960’s and teaching art classes. Beverly worked in her in-home studio on oil and pastel paintings, watercolors, and weaving. Her art was showcased at art shows and exhibits locally in places like the Shaffer Art Gallery, Deines Gallery, Great Bend Public Library, and surrounding areas like in Denver, Colorado. She was a founding member of Artists at Large and The Aquarians. She worked for Don Humphreys as well as the Great Bend Public Library in secretarial and administrative capacities. Beverly was raised in the Methodist faith, followed by attending services for years at First Presbyterian Church, but returned to her roots at First United Methodist Church. Beverly loved her family, always enjoying spending time with the different generations.
Survivors include daughters, Debbie Hughes and husband Jeff of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Kim Son of Great Bend; son, Michael Simonson of Las Vegas, Nevada; six grandchildren, Amy Wright of Denver, Colorado, Josh Simonson of Oak Grove, Missouri, Sam Wright of Overland Park, Cody Phelan of Phoenix, Arizona, Jessilyn Simonson of Great Bend, and Tess Chupinsky of Las Vegas, Nevada; twelve great grandchildren; and a half sister, Wanda McCay of Iowa.
She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; and son, Steve Simonson.
Cremation has taken place. Services are pending. Memorials have been designated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shaffer Art Gallery, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.
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