Bev was born in Kittanning, PA, to Stephen and Gladys Glendora Chvala. Her father descended from Slovakian immigrants and her mother from the early Pennsylvanian settlers. Bev and her identical twin sister were raised in a loving household and attended an all-girls Catholic school.
Bev’s first love was Bob Minteer. She was a wife and mother during his Vietnam deployments. They were a young military family that traveled to many military posts, navigating their young adulthood and parenting together. They were married for 10 years and had 3 sons, Ronald, Michael and Stephen. Beverly was a loving mother and remained friends with Bob throughout her life.
Bev worked in a steel foundry, sewed military uniforms, and worked at the historical Kirby House restaurant in Abilene, Kansas. The Kirby House restaurant appreciated her dedication and years of hard work so much that they gave her a print of the landmark when she retired, and it hung in her room. Bev also worked for The American Cancer Society in Ford City, PA, as a clerical typist, and was a board member volunteering her time towards the cause.
Bev’s second husband was Larry LaPorte, a musician. They shared 39 years of marriage until his passing in 2020. She attended all of his shows and they had some great times together with their friends and musical community in Kansas.
In Hermitage, Missouri, Bev made many friends and loved the staff at Hermitage Nursing and Rehab. She enjoyed coloring, playing Farkle, and her favorite game Bingo. She was even voted Queen on Valentine’s Day. Whenever we saw Bev, she always spoiled us with her bingo prizes. Even in the last of days, Bev had a little bear tucked away to give to her great-grand daughter, June. She loved all of her family. She never spoke ill of anyone and only had love in her heart.
Bev passed peacefully in her sleep and without suffering at the end. In the last days, she was surrounded by 3 generations of family. She is survived by her twin sister Barb, her 3 sons, 2 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren, who will always remember and love her.
We miss and love you, Bev. Until we meet again.
