Beverly Carlson

Beverly “Bev” Martha Carlson passed away on Monday, June 15th 2026, after a short stay in the hospital. She was born in Clay Center, KS on January 24, 1938 to Curtis & Martha (Davies) Osbourn. Bev is survived by her daughters Sherry (Lanny) Hess and Christina Reed, sister Betty Siebold. Bev was a beloved grandmother to Nicole (Matt) Graham, Sarah (Stacey) Baker, Jacob (Candice) Hess, & Brady Reed. Great-grandchildren, Aidan Graham, Carter Graham, Adeline Graham, Lola Graham, Shaylee Baker, & Lucas Harvey Reed were blessed to call her Grandma Bev. Bev was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald, her grandson Lucas Carlson Reed, her brother Jim Osbourn, & sister Barbara Sanderson.

Bev and her siblings were raised in rural Clay County, near Broughton. She attended Gatesville school as a child and graduated from Green High School in 1955. She & Ronald Carlson eloped to Fairbury, Nebraska on July 26th, 1954. To this union, two children were born: Sherry Jean & Christina Lea. They made their home near May Day, Kansas, and moved to Clay Center in 1964.

Bev was a hard worker and worked many jobs over her lifetime. She was a truck driver for many years, a farmer, and until retirement was employed by the Clay County Treasurer’s office. Bev had many hobbies and always stayed busy. She was an excellent gardener, artist, & cook. She enjoyed traveling and was active until the very end. She spent many afternoons playing cards with her friends, was a proud member of the First Presbyterian Church, and was a member of many clubs and organizations. Bev loved to cheer on her great-grandkids at their many activities, often being the first spectator to arrive!

Bev was a sweet and thoughtful person and was loved by many. She always had a hug, a kind word, and a piece of candy at the ready, and if you were really lucky, a Dr. Pepper and a Wendy’s frosty.

Help us celebrate Bev’s life during visitation at Neil-Schwensen-Rook, from 4-6 on Friday, June 26th.

Funeral Services will be held at The First Presbyterian Church in Clay Center on Saturday, June 27th at 10:00am.

Memorial contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church or Meadowlark Hospice and left in care of the funeral home.