Beverly Biel

Beverly Jean (Grigsby) Biel, 69 years of age, from Colby, Kansas, died peacefully, April 21, 2016, at Collier Hospice in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. She was born in Ogallala, Nebraska on August 25, 1946 to Robert and Rose (Williams) Grigsby and graduated from Ogallala High School in 1964. She received her Licensed Practical Nurse Certification in 1965 and married William H Biel, also of Ogallala, on September 4, 1965. Bev and her husband moved from Ogallala to Colby, KS in 1984 and divorced in April 2009.

Bev had various occupations in both communities; however, her primary role was community volunteer and family CEO. She loved being with people and helping everyone, friends or family. “What can I do to help?” was her most frequently used phrase. She never met a stranger and her smile and infectious laugh brightened everyone’s day. She was an active member of numerous church and community groups including Trinity Lutheran Church, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Red Cross Bloodmobile, Thomas County Diplomats, Thomas County Chamber of Commerce, Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), Santa’s Workshop, and Colby Rod Run, serving as a volunteer or board member.

Her family was most precious to her and she treasured every moment spent with them. Each of her three grandchildren held a special place in her heart as either “my big boy”, “my girl”, or “my little guy”. As often as possible she would attend birthdays, football, lacrosse, dance, volleyball, orchestra, choir, or other activities, sometimes through Facetime, Skype, or just by phone. Sisters, nephews, and nieces were also an important part of her life; several adventures were had traveling cross country and to the mountains.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Grigsby of Ogallala, NE.

She is survived by her mother, Rose Grigsby of North Platte, NE; three sisters, Joan, and husband Dale Clark, of Grand Island, NE, Barbara, and husband Steve Woodrum, of Gering, NE, and Geraldine Biel, of North Platte, NE; two children, John Biel, and wife Carol, of York, NE and Lynnette, and husband Mark Stedry, of Ballston Spa, NY; three grandchildren, Emily Biel, daughter of John and Carol, and Christopher and Brandon Stedry, sons of Lynnette and Mark; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at Baalmann Mortuary, 190 S Franklin, Colby, KS. Funeral will be at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 855 East Fifth Street, Colby, KS. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at Ogallala Cemetery in Ogallala, NE. A time for fellowship and light refreshments will be available after the burial at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 312 West 3rd Street, Ogallala, NE. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Beverly J Biel Memorial Fund at the Thomas County Community Foundation, 350 South Range Suite 14, Colby, KS 67701 (785-460-9152; tccf@st-tel.net); distributions to various community organizations will be determined at a later date. Online condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com.