Beth (Ferguson) Tyler

Beth (Ferguson) Tyler was born into this world June 4, 1925, to John Harold and Leatha (Bashford) Ferguson in Concordia, Kansas.

Being born very premature, she was not expected to survive and was not given a middle name because that would be “too much more weight to bear.” Yet, she survived until January 31, 2016, almost reaching the age of 91.

Beth grew up on the family farm in the beautiful hills and valley of White Rock Creek, northeast of Mankato. She attended Steuben rural school and Mankato High School where she graduated in 1943. Beth had a passion for mechanical drawing. After graduating, she went to Kansas State University, where Beth wanted to major in mechanical drawing. At that time this major was not open to women but they told her that if she could get two more women to enroll in that major, they would open it to them. So there was three in that major. After three semesters an illness forced her to return home.

In February 1945, Beth accepted a position with the War Department at the Topeka Army Air Field as an Engineering Draftsman. During this time she decided she wanted to learn to fly, Beth started taking flying lessons. There were days when she and the instructor were grounded until the holes in the canvas covered airplane could be patched. Beth was ready for solo flight when once again an illness requiring surgery forced her back home in October of 1945.

April 1946, Beth accepted a position with the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation as an Engineering Draftsman. Her duties included drafting plans and profiles of irrigation canals. On August 23, 1946, she resigned her position.

On September 1, 1946, Beth was united in marriage to Alva C. Tyler at the Methodist Church in Mankato, Kansas. To this union five children were born: James, a stillborn baby girl, Joe (William), Jack and Janet. They made their home on a farm northeast of Mankato were Beth was living her greatest passion of being a wife, mother, and homemaker. Later, in the 70’s, Beth was employed as a janitor with the Mankato School. After retirement, Beth enjoyed traveling and camping, with friends and neighbors.

Beth was a lifelong member of the Harmony United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post No. 7830, and Friendship Circle Club, all of Mankato.

Beth and Alva celebrated 65 years of marriage. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alva, baby daughter, and her parents.

She is survived by her children: Jim and wife Alice Tyler of Hays, Kansas, Joe of Scandia, Kansas, Jack, Janie and Joel all of Mankato, Kansas; grandchildren: Trisa and Mike, Travis and Rachel, Kristopher, Joseph and Michele, Jacob, Jessa and Jordan, Bobi and Aaron, Chanse, Lara and Mitch, and Kari; step-grandchildren: Trevor, Trent, Taylar, and Tiarra; 10 great-grandchildren; brother: Dr. John and wife, Bonnie Ferguson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will be (was) Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Harmony United Methodist Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Gerry Sharp officiating. Mr. Lyle Dauner was the pianist. Casket bearers will be (were) Jordan Cousland, Mitch Ketterl, Aaron Cross, Brian Ferguson, Corey Ferguson, and Neil Becker. Honorary casket bearers will be (were) Jake Tyler, Joseph Tyler, Travis Tyler, Chanse Moser, Kris Tyler, and Mike Gongolas. Interment will be (was) in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to: Harmony United Methodist Church, Mankato, Kansas. Visitation will be (was) Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at the Melby Mortuary Chapel, Mankato, Kansas, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening. Online condolences can be left at www.melbymortuary.com. Melby Mortuary, 402 N. High Street, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.

No one knows when Beth Accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, but be assured when God asked her why should I let you into My Glorious Kingdom, she will reply, because your son, Jesus paid the price for me! God reply’s – enter my kingdom my good and faithful servant.