Beverly Jane Kahler (Bev) passed away June 26, 2024, of a pseudoaneurysm in Rapid City, SD, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and service. Born in Columbia, Missouri, on February 2nd, 1930, Bev was a testament to her unwavering commitment to these values.

Rooted in faith, Bev's journey began with her baptism and confirmation at the First United Methodist Church of Columbia. Her commitment deepened throughout her life, leading her to teach Sunday school at both the church and later at the Chapel of Stephens College. Following her graduation in 1950 from Stephens College, she continued her education at the University of Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1952. She worked her way through college, working in the library at Stephens College and developing transcripts in the administration office at the University of Missouri.

Love entered Bev's life on a blind date on Good Friday, 1950, when she met Dick Kahler. Their romance blossomed, culminating in a joyous wedding on June 14th, 1952, and they shared a marriage that lasted just over 72 years.

She and Dick moved to Lawton, OK, while Dick was stationed at Fort Sill. During Dick's service in the Korean War, Bev continued her passion for education by teaching in Independence, MO. Bev often told of noticing a man walking in the town square every day and later found out he was Harry Truman, the former President of the United States. Upon Dick's return in 1954, they moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, where they started their family, built a life together, and raised their three children, Rick, Dave, and Jan.

Faith remained a cornerstone of Bev's life. In 1956 she and Dick became charter members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rapid City and served in many capacities with the church. In 1973, she reconfirmed her faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized by immersion at the South Canyon Baptist Church. There, she dedicated herself to youth ministry, sharing her love and guidance with countless young people. Her commitment continued in 1994 when she and Dick joined the Rimrock Evangelical Free Church.

Throughout her life, Bev's dedication to nurturing young minds extended beyond the walls of churches. She actively participated in Sunday schools and vacation Bible schools, and when her kids arrived, she was an active Den Mother, assisting and supporting numerous of her kids' activities.

She loved the outdoors as a child, climbing trees and being a campfire girl. A highlight of her youth was going to Ashland, MO, where she "would ride horses and play with the boys." Playing with dolls held no interest for her. Later in her teens, she loved playing and watching football. When her kids were growing, her love of the outdoors translated to camping and boating with her family.

When the kids had left home, she and Dick enjoyed taking trips in their motorhome with friends and family. They visited 49 states, including Alaska several times. They were able to visit Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, and many European countries. Delaware was the one state they missed.

Later in life, Bev came to be known as "the lady in the yellow jacket" and would be seen taking tickets and ushering at numerous Civic Center events in Rapid City. She ushered for 44 years, from 1977 to 2021, with her last ushering event being for the first event held in the new Summit Arena, the South Dakota All State Orchestra and Choir.

She was known as "the chocolate lady" to nurses and medical administration staff, as she always had a pocket full of Dove chocolates or Werther's hard candy. When she moved with Dick into Courtyard Assisted Living, she changed her focus to supplying the staff.

On the day she had her stroke in March 2024, she was placed into hospice later in the day. The family gathered and goodbyes were said. Her daughter, Jan, gently whispered to Bev, "You're going to be with Jesus today."  Bev replied ever so softly but firmly, "I don't want to see Him."  A few hours later we learned she had been placed by mistake. She lived another three months. We know our mother well enough to understand she didn't mean that she never wanted to see Jesus-just not that particular day, and she was right!

Beyond her faith and passion for education and helping people, she left a legacy of love and kindness. Bev's heart belonged to her family.

Bev was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Thurman and Mary Gladys Murphy, her sister Anita Marie (Murphy) Kemper and her husband, Arthur, and her daughter-in-law, Renaye (Dave) Kahler.

She is survived by her wonderful husband, Richard E. (Dick) Kahler, her three children, son Rick Kahler (Marcia), grandchild London Seth (Rani), grandchild Davin; son Dave Kahler (Renee), grandchild Joshua Montgomery, Jeremy (Amanda), great-grandchildren Lucas, Madelyn, and Gwenyth; grandchild Brianna Satterfield (Dan), great-grandchildren Sophia, Aidall, Olive, and Benjamin; and daughter Jan Kahler; grandchildren Tyler Blumenthal (Laura), great-grandchildren Leah, Colby, and Dane, and grandchild Nikki Davis (Kyle); and many nephews, nieces, extended family, and very close friends.

Visitation:  Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, 2700 Jackson Blvd. Rapid City, SD.

Celebration of Life: Wednesday, July 24, 2024, 11:00 am, at South Canyon Baptist Church, 3333 W. Chicago St., Rapid City, SD.

Internment: Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 2:30 pm, at the Black Hills National Cemetery, 20901 Pleasant Valley Dr., Sturgis, SD.

A memorial has been established to the Rapid City Christian High School Endowment Fund, Love, Inc., and Young Life.