In loving memory of

Beverly Baum
June 13, 1940 - February 25, 2016

Beverly Ann Baum of Ames Iowa died February 25, 2016 at Israel Family Hospice House. A gathering reception will be 4:00-6:00 p.m. March 22, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way in Ames.
Bev was born in Dubuque on June 13, 1940 the daughter of William and Ruby Baum. She graduated from Clarke College in Dubuque in 1963 with a Bachelors of Arts in history. Bev worked at the Dubuque Public Library until 1968. She taught one year at La Junta Catholic School in Colorado moving to Ames in 1969. Bev was the Media Specialist at Edwards School from 1969 until her retirement in 1999. She received her Master's from the University of Northern Iowa.
Bev was very active after retirement where she was a member of AAUW, ISU Women's Club, P. Buckley Moss Society and Red Hat Club, and led two area book clubs. She volunteered at the Ames Public Library, where she was on the board of trustees from 1981 until 1987. She also volunteered many hours at Mary Greeley Medical Center. Bev loved to travel in the United States and abroad, including a trip to China.
Beverly is survived by a niece, Paula Hefel of Dubuque, nephew, Bill Post of Texas, and 4 great nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother, and a sister Lynda.
Memorials may be sent to the Ames Public Library or to AAUW.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Tributes

Bev (Brown) Hutney wrote on Apr 11, 2016:

"Miss Baum was one of the most influential people in my life. She was the librarian during my elementary years (1970 - 1976) at Edwards Elementary School. I was a voracious reader and spent many hours in the library. She would later tell me that she had a hard time keeping up with my desire for books. She took a special interest in me and it made a difference in my self confidence and sense that I had a place in the world. Her attention was important then and, I realize now, important to who I have become as a person. "

Kathy (Smithson) Vannoy wrote on Mar 30, 2016:

"I would like to extend my sympathies to surviving family and friends of Beverly Baum I have pleasant memories of "Miss Baum" in the media center at Whittier Elementary School in Ames, IA. Because I still live in Ames, it is fun to run into folks from my growing up years. It was always a delight to see her around town and get a chance to visit. She still had her recognizable smile and pleasant demeanor."

Victoria Summy wrote on Mar 16, 2016:

"Bev You were a wonderful, funny, entertaining, witty friend & I will miss your sharp comments & emails. I remember our many trips together as Media Specialists & your sputtering when I would insist that we walk & get exercise. May you rest in peace & I look forward to seeing you in heaven. "

Rosemary Mitchum wrote on Mar 11, 2016:

"Dear Friend, Beverly It is hard to believe that 46 yrs ago this fall we began a friend ship that saw us thru a lot of good times, laughs and even some tears. I will miss you and think of you often. RIP/God keep you safe till we meet again."

Dennis Pauly,Evanston Public Library, retired. wrote on Mar 9, 2016:

"Beverly: I was so sorry to read of your passing. I remember our great friendship in Dubuque when you worked at Renier's. It was you who told me about the training program at Chicago Public Library so I really owe my career to you. You were a librarian as well and it appears that you led a full life. I will always remember you for what you did for me."

Carol Alexander Phillips wrote on Mar 1, 2016:

"The AAUW Ames Branch will miss Bev's forwarded emails to members and her unexpected comments. She was a faithful member. Her love of books and participation in the book clubs was outstanding. Thanks, Bev, for your contributions, especially related to women's rights and equality. "

David Faden wrote on Feb 29, 2016:

"Dear Bev, thank you for being good to my family throughout the years. I'm sorry that Hana will miss out on getting to know you better. I'll miss your heckling and acerbic wit but also underneath that, your kindness. Your absence will be felt in life being more bland. I'll long remember some of the sharp and funny things you had to say. You're deeply missed, my friend."

Gloria Erickson wrote on Feb 28, 2016:

"My thoughts and prayers go out to Bev's family and friends. I met Bev through the Heart of Iowa Chapter of the P. Buckley Moss Society. She was an active and "vocal" member. As I got to know Bev better, especially during our fall trip to the Omaha area, I discovered under her gruff exterior was a gentle sole. "

Mark Widrlechner wrote on Feb 28, 2016:

"It is always difficult to lose a neighbor and a friend. Bev often showed me small kindnesses and hospitality. Our cul-de-sac won't be the same without her. I will think of her often."

Lyn Robinson wrote on Feb 27, 2016:

"We will miss you in the noon Joints-In-Motion pool class at Mary Greeley Medical Center. The class is now almost too quiet...."

Betty Gordon wrote on Feb 26, 2016:

"Bev, we're going to miss your wise-cracking, sarcastic remarks at PRIMETIME hospital educational programs, diabetes support group meetings, and COOK'S EMPORIUM cooking classes. We never knew what was going to come out of your mouth. You were devoted to going to each of these; never missed from all the years I've known you thru these 3 things. Glad you are free of your pain, and can enjoy good health and happiness in heaven with your parents, sibling, family, and friends. RIP BEV ;) we are all going to miss you."