Beverly Kreutzer - Francis

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Beverly (Griswold) Kreutzer - Francis, who departed this life on July 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. Born on April 26, 1943, in Woodstock, Illinois, Beverly's life was a tapestry of love, resilience, and generosity, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know her. Beverly was the beloved daughter of John "Wilbur" and Florence (Briggs) Griswold. Beverly was the 10th child born to Wilbur and Florence out of 13 children and she the 10th child to pass away of the 13 Griswold siblings. She was predeceased by her cherished in-laws, Bernice and Arthur A. Kreutzer Sr., and is now reunited with her parents and them in eternal peace. Her siblings, Marjorie (Ervin) Erber, Shirley (Charles) Mansfield, Irene Schultz (John) Gatz, Dorothy (Tony) Cardosa, Margaret "Peggy" Hahn, Jeanne (Ronald) Kreutzer, Robert (Betty) Griswold, Charles Griswold, and John (Linda) Griswold, have also preceded her in passing. A proud graduate of Woodstock High School, Beverly married her high school sweetheart, Arthur W. Kreutzer, on September 21, 1963. Together, they shared 39 years of marriage filled with laughter, adventure, and the joy of raising their three children: Michele (Darrin) Davis, Arthur (Kathy) Kreutzer, and Brian Kreutzer. Bev and Art relocated from McHenry County, Illinois, to Pima County, Arizona in 1987, embracing semi-retirement and prioritizing health and family. Arthur Walter Kreutzer preceded her in death in May 2002. In 2005, Beverly found love again and married Kenneth Francis. Together, they shared cherished moments with their blended family, enjoying the beauty of Arizona through their travels and shared passion for geocaching. Bev is survived by her loving children, Michele, Arthur, and Brian, and her dear siblings, Thomas (Alice) Griswold, Nancy (Marvin) Cairns, and Rita (William) Rudzena, Sister-in-law Diane Griswold, Brother -in-law Wayne (Amy) Kreutzer. Her legacy continues to shine through her 12 grandchildren—Amanda (Jason) Hopper, Erin Zorzy & Darrel Moe, Carl (Jessica) Zorzy, Michelle Davis-Kidd, Sarah (Nick) Polinder, Jason (Miranda) O'Boyle, Tiffany (Rusty) Tipton, Gavin Francis, Joshua Francis, Destini Membrila, Max Lovallo, and Lorenzo Stump and her 14 great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will carry forward her spirit and love. In her early years, Bev and Art were avid campers, finding joy and serenity in nature’s embrace. Her culinary skills, love for gardening, and talent in crochet brought warmth to her home and joy to everyone around her. Bev was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls. She loved watching all sports on TV. Known for her fierce independence, Beverly's warm smile and generous hugs were a beacon of comfort and love. Her kindness and generosity left a lasting impact on her community, and she was a woman who never hesitated to extend a helping hand. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care during Beverly's final months. In lieu of flowers, they request donations be made in Beverly's memory to a charity of your choice, reflecting her spirit of kindness and giving. Her loving brother Tom and his wife Alice along with her niece Kathleen and her husband Martin were a constant support group providing her with love and support in the last six months of her fight with cancer. As Beverly leaves this world, her family holds dear her messages: "There are no good-byes wherever you are, you will always be in my heart." " I will love you all forever" And Mom said its ok to cry just not all day. Celebration of Life to be held in Illinois in September details to come