Beverly Jean (Hockett) Whitacre, daughter of Delbert D & Audrey M (Race) Hockett was born on May 26, 1938 in Estherville, IA. Bev passed away the morning of October 17, 2020 at Good Samaritan Society in Estherville, IA at the age 82 years.

Beverly lived in Estherville with her parents and siblings all her childhood. She attended Estherville schools and was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church of Estherville, IA.

Bev met Melvin Whitacre at the roller skating rink in 1951. Their love for each other became evident very quickly. They were united in marriage on April 11, 1953 in Sioux Falls, SD. While Melvin worked for the Rock Island Railroad, Beverly stayed at home, managing the home and the six children that they had. Bev always knew that she wanted to have an even number of boys and girls. They had one daughter first, then the three sons came along. Low and behold, the next two children were girls, so she got her three boys and three girls.

Bev really did not have many hobbies, while her children were younger. Who would while managing such a busy household? She and Mel enjoyed spending most of their spare time with their children. They enjoyed taking them camping, fishing, swimming, to the drive-in theater, and on small vacations. Eventually, Bev along with some of her friends and sisters-in-law, started a 'Coffee Day.' They would get together, taking turns hosting at each other’s house, and just talk about whatever was going on in their lives’ while the children played.

As the children got older, Bev took on some part-time work outside of the home, waitressing at the VFW and other places in town in the evening. She became more active in the church as a deacon and eventually an elder. She was also an active member of the Christian Women's Club, where she loved helping with wedding receptions and funeral luncheons. She and Melvin were also members of the local VFW Post 3388 and she became more involved in the VFW Auxiliary with various receptions and luncheons. The couple became avid bowlers on mixed couple night, with their best friends, Barb & Don Fisher. She achieved many awards and trophies during her bowling years. She also worked at Berkley's in Spirit Lake, IA for a couple of years and as a housekeeper at the Cozy Grove Motel in Estherville, IA.

Around 1986, Mel's job transferred them to Council Bluffs, IA for about seven years. His job then transferred them to the Chicago, IL area for about three years, before moving back to Estherville, IA in late 1997 upon Mel's retirement, to be closer to family.

Beverly is survived by her & Mel's six children: Debra & Mike Henricksen-Moriarity of Estherville, IA, Terry & Shelly Whitacre of Titonka, IA, Lenny & Kim Whitacre of Algona, IA, Monty Whitacre & fiancée Pearl Clinton of Estherville, IA, Jackie & Mark Harris of Graettinger, IA, & Wanette & Lance Zimmerman of Estherville, IA; her brother, Bob & Sandy Hockett of Estherville, IA; her sister, Janet Catelli of McCloud, OK; 52 grandchildren; 66 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews; and friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Melvin; her parents, Delbert D. Hockett, and Audrey M. (Race) Hockett-Ostheimer; her parents-in-law, Ida M. (Pickell) Whitacre, and Henry A. Whitacre; and one sister Wanda (Hockett) Crees.