Beverly Ann (Korns) Creps, 96, of Grinnell and formerly of Brooklyn, IA, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026 at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell.

A funeral service will be held 10:30 AM, on Friday, September 4, 2026 at the Brooklyn First Presbyterian Church with interment at Brooklyn Memorial Cemetery. A luncheon will be held back at the church following the burial.

Visitation hours will begin at 12:00 PM on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, with family present from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial contributions may be designated to the First Presbyterian Church or the St. Francis Manor Foundation. Cards and memorials may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Beverly was born on January 22, 1930, on a farm north of Brooklyn, Iowa, to Nelson Rowland Korns and Celia Kathryn (Gritsch) Korns. She grew up on the family farm alongside her two younger brothers, Charles and Marvin. From an early age, Bev enjoyed farm life, especially driving tractors and spending time outdoors.

Bev graduated from Hartwick Community School in Hartwick, Iowa, in 1947. She continued her education at Iowa State Teachers College, now the University of Northern Iowa, and began her career as an educator. She later completed her teaching degree at Drake University. Bev devoted 36 years to teaching elementary school, touching the lives of generations of students. Following her retirement in 1993, she continued sharing her love of learning by tutoring for several years.

On June 18, 1950, Bev was united in marriage to Francis “Fuzzy” Creps at the Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn, where she remained an active member for many years. Bev and Fuzzy were blessed with two daughters, Kathryn “Katie” Marie and Mary Lee. Their family also welcomed AFS exchange students Michele and Franca into their home. Bev and Fuzzy farmed near Brooklyn until 1968, when they built a home in Brooklyn.

In 2015, Bev moved to Seeland Park in Grinnell. She later moved to the Hammond Center for assisted living in 2019 and became a resident of St. Francis Manor in 2023. Bev and her family were grateful for the wonderful care she received throughout her years at these communities.

Above all, Bev cherished her family and friends. She was especially proud of her four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Over the years, she loved attending their ballgames, school activities, and other events. More recently, she treasured opportunities to gather with her family for holidays and special occasions.

Bev enjoyed tending to her plants and flowers, traveling with family and friends, sewing and making quilts, playing cards, attending retired teachers’ coffees, and reading. She was also a faithful sports fan who enjoyed cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes.

 Beverly is survived by daughters Kathryn “Katie” Ghent of Fairfield and Mary (Joe) Vaverka of Pella; an AFS daughter, Michele (Scott) Montgomery of Belgium; grandchildren, Jawnica (Jon) Kettler of Pella, Jacob (Regina) Vaverka of Pella, Mallori Ghent of Marshalltown, Wilson (Sage) Ghent of Fairfield; two sisters-in-law, Martina Korns of Brooklyn, IA and Marion Korns of Bella Vista, AK; great grandchildren: Isaiah, Owen, Sam Kettler, Aiden, Addilyn, Mason Vaverka, Ledger and Rowan Ghent; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, Fuzzy in 2004; her parents; brothers, Charles and Marvin; her niece Marcea Korns; sisters-in-law, Clovis Smith and Hazel Williams.