Beverly Jean Nix Spring

Beverly Jean Nix Spring passed away on July 8th, 2025, at the ripe old age of 90. She was a beloved mother to Janet Schmidt (Bill Schmidt) and Carol Watgen (Tom Watgen); grandmother to Philip Schmidt (Christen), Stephanie Hein, Kayla and Steven Thawnghmung; great-grandmother to Bella Thawnghmung, Delphine, Yann, and Remy Schmidt, and Jack, Sadie, and Silas Hein; and friend to many. Despite enduring dementia, she continued to live a life of kindness and grace; each morning, upon awakening, she asked the Lord, “How can I be of service today?” Whether comforting a recent widow or giving her famous hugs, she met each day as an opportunity to love others.

She was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on January 28th, 1935, to Maywood and Herschel Nix. When her brother, Steve, joined the family, she decided it was her job to take care of him. They moved to Wichita, where Mom graduated from Wichita East High School in 1953, then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Botany and Bacteriology from Wichita State University in 1957, graduating Cum Laude. Not bad for a woman during an era when women in scientific fields were a rarity! Beverly loved science. She claimed that scientific discoveries and knowledge only proved the presence of God. Much like Francis Collins, in his book The Language of God, she claimed it took more faith to believe creation was a random event than to believe in a divine creator. God is the source of all life. An avid environmentalist, she taught us the importance of recycling and led school field trips for elementary children at nearby lakes and wetlands. She returned to work once Carol was in high school and spent the remainder of her career at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, where she worked in TB and Mycology.

One day, while still in college, as she rushed down the steps after church, she caught the eye of Donald Spring, and from that moment, they were inseparable. Married on December 23rd, 1956, their example of respect and kindness toward one another created an ideal childhood for Janet and Carol. In 1970, the family moved to Topeka and joined First Baptist Church, where they were active in the Faithbuilders Sunday School and sang with the Chancel Choir for 30 years. She sewed our clothes, braided rugs (the only time we ever heard her swear–but only with words like “Dagnabit!”), and baked her famous bread and cinnamon rolls. Carol learned her love of baking from Mom. Mom also took up running because of Janet’s accomplishments in track and cross-country, even running a 10k road race with Jan in 1983. Mom became a fixture in the area as she jogged with our dog, Molly, regularly, and still picked up aluminum cans to recycle.

They eventually moved to Brandon Woods in Lawrence. Immediately, Beverly jumped into helping others as a member of the Resident’s Council and President of the Welcoming Committee. Her daily mission was to be of service to others. After Dad died in 2016, her focus moved to those who had also lost a spouse. As a member of First Baptist Church, she enjoyed attending the early service until she could no longer participate.

Even in the final week, she kissed the hands that cared for her, and her eyes lit up with a spark of recognition for her loved ones. We want to express our sincere gratitude to all the staff at Brandon Woods and Bridge Haven. You loved our parents. As Dad lay dying in 2016, and Beverly was passing this week, you shared our tears, listened to our stories, and comforted us as we said goodbye. We are also grateful for the amazing nurses, social workers, music therapists, and chaplain from Ascend Hospice. Thank you for treating the dying with such respect and dignity. She is at peace, and we joyfully await our reunion in heaven with our Lord.