Beverly Ann O'Renick (Johnson)

Beverly Ann Johnson O’Renick, 90, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023. A Mass will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Cyril Catholic Church. Visitation will take place at the church at 9:00 AM. Burial at Mound Grove Cemetery following the Mass.

Beverly was born on July 13, 1932, to Clarence Roy and Eva (Brown) Johnson in Kansas City, MO. She attended Northeast High School where she participated in the Pep Club, Literary Society, and A Cappella Choir. An accomplished pianist, Beverly met the love of her life, John Charles “Jack” O’Renick, while playing “Bumble Boogie” on the piano at the home of a friend. John, also a student at Northeast, played trumpet in the school band, and they soon began making music together. Beverly and Jack were married on February 3, 1951, and spent 72 years as husband and wife.

After graduation in 1949, Beverly began work at the First Mortgage Invest Company in downtown, Kansas City. In 1953, she and Jack moved into the house he built on Scarritt Avenue in Sugar Creek. It was there they raised their 5 children and where Beverly began the most important job of her life, that of a wife, mother, and community volunteer.

When her children were young, Beverly assumed leadership positions in the PTA, Boy and Girl Scouts, church, and civic organizations. She spent many hours sewing clothes and dance costumes for her children, baking Christmas cookies for them to decorate, and inspiring them in their musical and dance pursuits. Always ready with a helping hand, advice, or a shoulder to lean on, she was the best mother and grandmother anyone could want. After her children were grown, Beverly returned to the work force in the accounting department of Montgomery Ward Co. She later worked for Trinity Lutheran Hospital, retiring in 1997.

During her working years and into retirement, Beverly spent countless hours supporting Jack in his political career. She was also an active member of numerous community organizations including St. Cyril’s Altar and Rosary Society, and the Sugar Creek Slavic Festival. Beverly volunteered as organist and choir director for St. Cyril’s Church where she led the congregation in inspirational song for many years. After both Beverly and Jack retired, they enjoyed crafting, relaxing at their cabin in the Lake of the Ozarks, traveling, antiquing, and spending time with their grandchildren.

Beverly is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Robert) Ray, Dana O’Renick, and Julie (Todd) Matt; son, Mark (Debbie) O’Renick; grandchildren, Scott, Nicholle, Ryan, Dan, Brittanie, and Anna; and great-grandchildren, Grace, Caroline, James, Averie, and Barrett; and a sister, Lorene (Jack) Cooley. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack; her daughter, Cathy Schneider Nelson; and her parents, Clarence Roy and Eva Johnson. In Lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in honor of Beverly O’Renick to One Community Hospice . Online condolence may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com .