Beverly Yvonne (Henderson) Pitcher

Beverly Yvonne Pitcher, 83, of Lamont, Iowa, formerly of Oroville, California, died on Monday, June 13, 2022, at her daughter’s home due to complications from post-polio syndrome. She was born on October 2, 1938, in Oroville, California, the daughter of Henry and Mildred (Kauffman) Henderson. Bev graduated from Heald Business College in the late 1950’s.

While working for the Corps of Engineers, Bev met Ron Pitcher, an airman stationed at Mather Air Force Base, whom she married on December 13, 1959. Bev spent the next 18 years as an Air Force wife, traveling the world and volunteering at almost every duty station, collecting over 1,000 hours of voluntary service.  Bev and Ron retired to northeast Iowa where Ron was proprietor of a DX gas station in Greeley and then a Phillips 66 gas station in Lamont. Bev assisted in keeping the books of the businesses while serving as Lamont’s First Lady during Ron’s tenure as the mayor. Returning to Lamont from Des Moines during a snow storm, it was decided to move back to California.

Bev was a Palermo Grange member for over 55 years, she volunteered her time as Palermo Grange Secretary for 26 years, as well as Grange Women’s Activities secretary and treasurer.  She was also an affiliate member of the Biggs Grange, where she held the offices of secretary, vice president, and lecturer. Bev served as treasurer while she was a member of the Butte Pomona Grange.

Despite her surviving polio as a teenager, Bev was strongly independent, refusing to have people do things for her that she could do for herself.  She was a strong, independent person. Bev was a woman of few words, but her actions spoke volumes.

Survivors include her daughter, Catherine (Mark) Pitcher-Adams of Lamont, Iowa; a sister, Jan Hofer of Oroville, California; two brothers, Jack (Sherry) Henderson of Red Bluff, California, and Jim (Suz) Henderson of Oroville; and many nieces and nephews.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 41 years, Ronald Pitcher; and her son, Randall Pitcher of Mesa, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:

Sacramento Region Polio Survivors Group – In memory of Beverly Y. Pitcher

PO Box 3043

Citrus Heights, California 95611-3043

Phone number: 916-844-7676

St. Croix Hospice – In memory of Beverly Y. Pitcher

101 Elkader Street

Strawberry Point, Iowa 52076

Phone number: 563-933-2070

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