Beverly Jane Machay

Beverly Jane Machay was born June 1, 1943, in Lawrence, Mich., to Alberto and Frances (Brancecum) Marko.

She grew up on the family farm on the east side of Hartford and spent her childhood horseback riding, milking cows, taking care of the livestock, helping with the garden, preserving food and assisting with butchering time.

She fondly remembered her family's travel adventures visiting relatives in Chicago and down south and as a young adult she enjoyed traveling to both coasts, spending time in both California and Florida.

Residing in St. Joseph in her 20s, both she and her mother worked at the Heathkit Company, and she enjoyed spending her free time with her longtime friend, Bunny, as members of the Ace Motorcycle Club in Millburg, Mich. She also enjoyed going out dancing and met her future husband, Bill, at the Greenland Inn (later known as the Joker's Club) in Benton Harbor.

They married and lived in Chicago for a number of years before returning to the country life in Hartford. When she wasn't caring for her own garden and small menagerie of animals, she spent much of her time volunteering as a teacher's helper at Red Arrow Elementary School, served as a den mother for the local Boy Scouts, as well as helping community elders and veterans with rides to medical appointments and grocery stores and just being good company to them. She also decided to go to college to study AutoCad and received a degree in mechanical drafting. She loved woodworking and clock repair, holiday visits with family and friends, playing cards, going for drives, her pet cats, eating out and socializing. She was a strong and courageous woman and in good health until her passing at the age of 81 years old on Sept. 4, 2024.

The family will receive friends and family for visitation from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Hartford United Methodist Church on Main Street in Hartford. The service to honor Beverly's memory will begin at noon with Pastor Douglas Tipken officiating. A procession will follow to the Keeler Cemetery, where Beverly will be laid to rest. Memorial donations can be made to the family. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.

Beverly leaves behind to cherish her memory her son, Will Machay; daughter, Jessica Machay; son, Rex Machay; former husband and lifelong friend, Bill Machay; along with many nephews, nieces, cousins and other dear family and friends. Beverly was preceded in her passing by her parents: Frances Disbrow and Al Marko; and brother, Anthony Marko.