Beverly Capron's Obituary
Beverly Jean Capron (née Atkinson), age 83, passed away surrounded by family. She was born on March 17, 1942, in Columbus, Kansas, where her life was rooted in faith, family, heritage, and a strong work ethic that guided her for more than eight decades.
Beverly was American Indian of the Quapaw Nation and held deep respect for the culture, history, and traditions of her tribe and ancestors. This heritage shaped her values, strengthened her sense of community, and reflected her quiet strength throughout her life.
She was married to her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Merle Capron, on March 19, 1960. Together, they graduated from Columbus High School in 1959 and began a partnership that spanned more than 65 years. Early in their marriage, Beverly attended Pittsburg State University, earning her cosmetology degree, and worked in Manhattan, Kansas, helping support Ken through veterinary school at Kansas State University—setting the tone for a lifetime of teamwork and quiet sacrifice.
Beverly and Kenneth raised three children, instilling in each of them independence, compassion, and a strong work ethic. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth Capron; her children: Debra Von Holten (Jim) of Glenpool, Mark Capron (Tammy) of Owasso, and Steve Capron (Jenny) of Stillwater.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kevin Von Holten (Kara), Conner Von Holten, Kristen Von Holten, Brooke Aguilera (Gustavo), Jordan Capron, Chase Capron, Grant Williford, and Cooper Capron; and her great-grandson, Jace Aguilera.
Beverly was raised in rural southeast Kansas near Columbus and remained deeply connected to her community throughout her life. In high school, she worked at a local butcher shop, was active in 4-H and Future Farmers of America, and proudly marched in the Columbus High School Marching Band, first as a drummer and later as a majorette. Together with Ken, a trumpet player, she participated in the second Presidential Inauguration Parade for Dwight D. Eisenhower in Washington, D.C.—a treasured memory.
Her devotion to children and community was evident in her many years of service as a Den Mother, Brownie and Girl Scout leader, Rainbow Girls and Jobs Daughter supporter, and adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America. She attended Philmont Scout Ranch and hiked the Tooth of Time, proudly supporting her sons and grandsons, Kevin and Conner, as they earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Beverly was also a member of Asbury Church and the Order of the Eastern Star and volunteered her time helping children with cerebral palsy, including participation in the Red Glove Revue fundraising events. She served as a pom-pom dance mom leader at Byrd Junior High and was always present wherever her children were involved.
As her children grew, Beverly worked at Hancock Fabrics, where she enjoyed her love of sewing, needlepointing, and crocheting. She created countless afghans and bedspreads that remain cherished family heirlooms.
For more than 40 years, Beverly worked chair-side alongside her husband, helping provide advanced veterinary dental care to pets across the four-state region. Together, they were passionate advocates for veterinary dental health, attending continuing education conferences across the country and promoting better care for animals nationwide. She also had a special soft heart for stray cats, lovingly caring for more than two dozen kittens born under the barn behind the veterinary hospital and ensuring they were nurtured and protected.
An avid traveler, Beverly visited all 50 states, as well as Canada, Mexico, and Belize. She loved experiencing new places while remaining deeply devoted to her home, family, and heritage.
Beverly Jean Capron will be remembered for her quiet strength, devotion to family, respect for her Quapaw ancestry, compassion for children and animals, and a life marked by service, love, and partnership. Her legacy lives on in the lives she shaped and the values she passed down.
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