Kindergarten Teacher, Law Librarian, Paralegal, Certified Barbeque Judge
Bev was born in Kansas City, MO in 1947 to James C. and Dorothy Lee McConniff.  She graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1965 and earned a bachelor degree in elementary education from Baker University in 1969. She pledged Zeta Tau Alpha sorority in 1965.  She taught kindergarten in Overland Park, Kansas, then worked at The Dow Chemical Company's corporate headquarters in Midland, Michigan.  After moving to Springfield in 1978, she volunteered as a librarian in the Springfield Public School System.  She returned to school to earn a minor in Library Science from Missouri State University and a paralegal degree from Drury University.  She was the law librarian for the Missouri State Southern District Court of Appeals for 26 years.
After retiring in 2009, she enjoyed trips to visit children and grandchildren in Cincinnati, Ohio and Sugar Land, Texas, annual trips to Des Moines for the Kentucky Derby, weekends at Table Rock Lake, Fellowship Bible Study, water aerobics at the Meyer Center, luncheons with Happy Harmoneers, and judging barbeque contests.
Bev was diagnosed with oral cancer in June of this year, and then suffered a series of infections and other medical issues including inoperable throat cancer.  She finally relaxed in the arms of Christ on December 19, 2015.
Bev is survived by her husband, Bill; two children, Brent Heist and wife, Rebekah, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Bridget Mueller and husband, Bryant, Sugar Land, Texas; six grandchildren, Byron, Ethan and Eric Heist, Cincinnati, Ohio and Ali, Mason and Brylee Mueller, Sugar Land, Texas; a sister, Jan West and husband, Jon, Altoona, Iowa; one nephew, nine nieces and their families, and numerous treasured friends, neighbors, and caregivers.
Bev's cremation was entrusted to Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  Her wish is to become part of Table Rock Lake.
A memorial service and celebration of Bev's life will be held Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 11 am in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 2200 W. Republic Road.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice of Springfield, 1570 W. Battlefield Road, Suite 110, Springfield, MO 65807.