Beverly Miller O'Rourke, 90, of Crawfordsville passed peacefully on Sunday, March 25, 2018, in her home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born November 12,1927 at Saint Louis Missouri, to the late Ralph F. and Susanne (Webster) Miller. Beverly graduated from Clayton High School, Clayton Missouri and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Missouri where she met the love of her life Joseph O'Rourke who survives. Bev, as she was known to family and friends, and Joe were married December 27, 1952. What followed was a sixty-five year old partnership that faced triumphs and challenges together with grace and kindness.

Initially she followed Second Lieutenant Joseph O'Rourke as he fulfilled his duties at Camp Atterbury. Stories of learning the "role" of how young officer's wives should behave and dress have impressed her grandchildren and underscored the societal changes since the early 1950's.

After the Army and a brief stint back to Columbia Missouri the couple embarked their next adventure when Joe accepted his first teaching assignment in Hilo, Hawaii at the new Hilo branch of the University of Hawaii. Their time in Hawaii was marked with lasting friendships and birth of their son Jerry. Returning to Missouri in late 1956, Bev went to work with MFA insurance in the advertising department as the media director while Joe taught and finished course work for his doctorate.

In August of 1960, Bev, Joe and Jerry arrived in Crawfordsville as Joe accepted a teaching position at Wabash College.

Bev worked at Hoosier Crown later known as H-C industries as the Personnel Director in the 60's and 1970's. Later she was a research associate assisting Joe with several academic projects.

She was an excellent cook who loved entertaining friends and student groups. Bev was always anxious to try new recipes and work around's to accommodate life long food allergies. She supported and was an active member of St John's Episcopal Church, PEO, Athenian, League of Women Voters, Chi Omega sorority and many other community organizations.

Proceeded in death by parents Ralph and Susanne Miller, sister Nancy Griffith. Beverly is survived by her husband Joseph, son Jerry, (Linda) grandchildren Jonathan (Stacy), Colin (fiance Kristin), Christopher, brother-in law Jack Griffith niece Leslie Griffith nephews David Griffith (Susan) Todd (Sue) and great nephews. Care givers Mellanie Servies, Marcie Noel, Mackenzie Noel.

A celebration of life services will be held 10:30AM Saturday March 31, 2018 at St. John's Episcopal Church Crawfordsville. A reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. John's Episcopal Church, or Montgomery County Youth Services.