Our beloved mother and grandmother, Beverly "Bev" Heylens, of Volga, South Dakota, passed away on Sunday, June 10th, 2018, at the age of 83, at the Estelline Care Center.

Bev was born on October 1st of 1934, in Kingsbury County, to her parents Adolph and Mary (Dunlap) Mohror. She was the only daughter but loved growing up with her four brothers. Bev graduated from Brookings High School in 1952 and then attended General Beadle State College, in Madison, South Dakota, where she earned her teaching certificate. She then found joy teaching for the Rural School District in the Bruce and Volga area. Bev was united in marriage to William "Bill" Heylens on May 28th in 1954 at the First United Methodist Church. Bev and Bill met and fell in love through local dances and continued to dance throughout their lives. In 1959, Bev and Bill moved onto the Heylens' family farm where they raised their four beloved sons and experienced many adventures in farming together. Bev later worked for the South Dakota Press Association and later for the Extension Service at South Dakota State University. In her retirement, she enjoyed continuing her work at the university and worked in the President's Office.

Bev was always active in caring for her family and friends and found such joy in having her four boys and their families near. She was a wonderful cook and baker and among her specialties were Christmas cookies, perfectly fried chicken, and don't forget the extra butter, sugar and salt! She had the kind of heart and hospitality that made everyone feel special and welcome. Bev and Bill enjoyed spending time at Oakwood Lakes, both at their cabin and later camping in the park. She also enjoyed travel, especially to polka festivals and to see her family. Bev was an active member of the Grace Free Lutheran Church in Bruce and formerly was a member of the Methodist Church in Bruce, where she taught Sunday School. She never stopped giving of herself to her family, friends, and always had an open invitation for a social supper at their place. Bev was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who is greatly missed for her love, acceptance, and big hugs.

Bev is survived by her sons, Robert (Nancy) Heylens of Arlington, Thomas (Linda) Heylens of Bruce, Bill Jr. (Kathy) Heylens of Volga, and John (Marlys) Heylens of Volga; her ten grandchildren, Thomas (Jenna) Heylens, Daniel Heylens, Russell Heylens, Michelle (Justin) Vande Weerd, Stephanie (Adam) Callesen, Amanda (Chad) Bjerke, Tara (Aaron Black) Krog, Dustin (Lindsey) Heylens, Kyle Heylens, and Krista (Tim) Larson; and her great-grandchildren, Wesley, Charlie, Cayce, Colton, Jase, Claire, Tate, Jade, Jodi, Jett, Luke, Lexi, Henry, McKayla, and Sutton. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Barbara Mohror of Estelline, Aledain Mohror of Muscatine, Iowa, Barbara Culey of Rapid City, and Connie Culey of Sioux Falls. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents, her husband's parents, and her four brothers, Max, Marvin, Keith, and Douglas.

Funeral services for Beverly Heylens will be held at Grace Free Lutheran Church in Bruce, South Dakota on Friday, June 15th, 2018 at 10:30am followed by the burial at the Bruce Elmwood Cemetery and lunch. Visitation will be held at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings, South Dakota on Thursday, June 14th, 2018 from 5:00 to 7:00pm.