Beverly Jean Van Metre

Beverly Jean Van Metre, 93, died on April 3, 2021 (4-3-2-1 blastoff to Heaven!), at Cotillion Ridge in Robinson, IL. She was born November 17, 1927, in Ames, IA, to Perry & Helen (Hansen) LaRue, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband of nearly 70 years, Marvin Earl Van Metre; and by one sister, Harriet Stoner. She is survived by her 5 children & their spouses, Kay & Bruce Plummer (Murray, KY), Bruce & Jo Van Metre (Decatur, IL), David & Suzanne Van Metre (Kennett Square, PA), Jill & Paul Stoffels (Glen Ellyn, IL), and Linda & John Wernz (West Union, IL); by her 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; by one sister, Mary Omodt (Sonoma, CA) and one sister-in-law, Dolores Dolley (Ames, IA); and by several nieces and nephews. Jean grew up in Des Moines, IA. She attended college at Iowa State University, where she met Marvin in a bird-watching class. Apparently, Marvin was watching more than the birds! They were married on June 18, 1950, and lived in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Jean was a full-time mother for many years and worked later on as a tax preparer at H&R Block. After they retired, Marvin and Jean became full-time RVers for 5 years, eventually ending up in Haines City, FL. There, they lived in a golfing community for 21 years, close to her dear friend of many years and several moves, Eunice Witter. They moved back to Illinois 6 years ago to be closer to their children. Jean was a member of Kappa Delta and P.E.O. She enjoyed playing bridge, working crossword and jigsaw puzzles, writing skits, church activities, crafts, camping, and traveling. It was Jean's wish to be cremated, and a memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 15, 2021, at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union, IL. A time of visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Memorials can be sent to the "P.E.O. Foundation" at 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. *Please note that COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. Thusly, masks will be required on-premises.*