Beverly R. Stiles, 87

Northfield Beverly Rae Stiles died Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016 at the Northfield Long Term Care unit where she lived the past three years. She was born Aug. 19, 1929 to parents James and May Belle (Schraeder) Stiles at their farm home, on the banks of Plum Creek, near Walnut Grove.

She graduated from Walnut Grove High School and continued her studies at the University of Minnesota. She received both a Bachelors of Science degree and a Master’s degree from the University with emphasis on health eduction and physical education. Beverly was a life-long educator with teaching stints at Tower Sedan and Sebeka before accepting a position at Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado. She returned to Minnesota and accepted a position with Mankato Public Schools and concluded her career as a teacher in the Blue Earth Public School.

Beverly dedicated her life to health eduction, physical education and was a pioneer in starting and coaching girl’s athletic teams in the state. Her coaching specialities were gymnastics and track/field. She officiated many Minnesota State High School League tournaments and conducted instructional clinics for coaches and athletes.

Her parents preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister Carol (Rich) Wickmann, of Trinity, Florida; nephews, Jeffrey (Liz), of Northfield and Bradley, of Shakopee; niece, Julie (Randall) Engleman, of Coon Rapids and nine grand-nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is planned at a later date. Memorials may be sent to the Northfield Hospital Long Term Care Unit in Northfield.