Beverly J. Gayken

Beverly Gayken, 84, passed away Thursday, March 8, 2018 at North Iowa Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Funeral services for Beverly Gayken will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 12, 2018 at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West in Britt with Reverend Dan Carlson officiating.  Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Visitation for Beverly Gayken will be held from 3:00 – 5:00 PM on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at Ewing Funeral Chapel in Britt, and will continue one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Monday.

Beverly Josephine Batton was born on October 30, 1933 to Edward and Kate (Wubben) Batton. When her mother passed away, she went to live with her aunt and uncle in Thompson, where she graduated high school in 1951.

Shortly after her graduation, she married Harold “Bud” Gayken on June 26, 1952. The made their home in Britt where they lived their entire married life. The two raised their five children in that home and enjoyed regular camping trips to Crystal Lake during the summers.

Bev and Bud enjoyed dancing. They also shared their love for dancing with their children teaching them how to Polka and Waltz.

Bev was a cook at the nursing home for 30 plus years, but she always found time to spend with her family. She enjoyed gardening, baking, thrift shopping, making crafts. She also recently enjoyed attending her great-grandchildren’s school sporting events and activities.

Beverly is survived by her children Doug (Susie) Gayken of Britt, Iowa, Mark (Ron Sherrod) Gayken of Ashland City, Tennessee, Todd (Dawn) Gayken of Britt, Iowa, and Becky Jo (Doyce) Engh of Kanawha, Iowa; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Donna Batton; and numerous family members and friends.

Beverly is preceded in death by her husband Harold “Bud” in 2008; her parents; son Bruce Gayken; grandchild Ryan Mausehund; five brothers; and one sister.