Beverly Sue Lane, 85, of Mulberry, Kansas, passed away on April 18, 2025. Born on a farm in rural Barton County, Missouri, Beverly spent her early years embracing the values of hard work, family, and self-reliance. A graduate of Mulberry High School, she began her career in local government at the Crawford County Courthouse before relocating to Wichita in 1959, where she worked for the Kansas Oil & Gas Commission.
In 1971, she married Denzel Leroy Lane, and in 1973, they welcomed their son, Denzel Webster. After stepping away from state service to focus on raising her son, Beverly later began a second career in education. She worked at Mueller Elementary School in Wichita, where she eventually managed the computer lab and became a trusted presence in the school community.
As an educator, Beverly cared deeply for her students — not only in their academic success and learning but also in their lives beyond the classroom. She ensured that children facing difficult circumstances at home had the essentials they needed, quietly offering support and encouragement when it mattered most. Her compassion, dedication, and warm heart left a lasting impression on countless young lives.
She cherished live theater, was a strong supporter of her local community, and enjoyed lively conversations about history and politics. Beverly was known for her kindness, strong family ties, and a selfless spirit that touched everyone she met.
In late 2022, Beverly returned to the Mulberry area following a long battle with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Her move brought her closer to family who could support her long-term care and provide comfort in her final chapter, surrounded by the people and place she loved most.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Denzel; her parents, George and Ethel Houghton; her sister, Janis; two brothers, George and Donald; and a great-nephew, Donnie Stafford.
She is survived by her son, Denzel Webster of Marion, Kansas; nieces Maricia, Kim, Dana, Hilary, Kristin, and Pam; nephews Trevor, Sky, and Vance; twelve great-nieces and nephews; and her cousin, Phyllis (Ed) King of rural Mulberry.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Friday, April 25th, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bedene Funeral Home in Arma, Kansas. A Celebration of Life service will follow on Saturday, April 26th at 10 a.m., also at Bedene Funeral Home. Private graveside services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Alzheimer’s Association — Heart of America Chapter, or the Mulberry Funeral
Dinner Fund. Donations may be sent to or left at the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, Box 621, Arma, Kansas 66712.
