TOPEKA — Beverly A. (Oyler) Lash, Overbrook, died Saturday, May 29, 2021, at Midland Hospice House, Topeka, following complications from a fall. She was 81.
She was born Sept. 30, 1939, in Norwich, to Carl A. and Grace (Harrison) Oyler. She graduated from Norwich High School in 1957 and attended Emporia State Teachers College before becoming a Certified Professional Secretary. Most of her career was spent in the Wichita Regional Office of the United States Postal Service, but in later years she worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Rogers, Ark.
Bev married the love of her life, Joe Lash, in 1982, in Bentonville, Ark. She and Joe lived for many years on Beaver Lake in Arkansas, where Bev overcame her lifelong fear of water and learned to waterski. They traveled extensively in the U.S. When they weren’t traveling, their home was always a welcoming Qzark get-away for family and friends, and a chance to enjoy Bev’s great cooking.
Never one to be bored, Bev had many interests. She loved to spend time with her family, read, play the piano, paint, bake and crochet. Most of all she loved to dance with Joe.
After leaving Beaver Lake, Bev and Joe divided their time between Texas in the winter and Colorado in the summer before settling in Arizona. Bev returned to Wichita in 2005 following Joe’s death, where she lived until 2019, when she moved to Brookside Assisted Living in Overbrook.
Bev was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe; and her brother, Carl.
She is survived by a stepdaughter, Cindy Lash (Gary Hug), Scranton; a niece, Kandee Hickman (Jason), Mission; a nephew, S. Corey Oyler (Maria), Wichita; a stepgrandson, Justin Ryan, Omak, Wash.; a stepgreat-niece, Malia Hickman, Wichita; a great-niece and great-nephew, Natalie and Ryan Oyler, Wichita; and many beloved cousins and their families, who enriched her life.
Inurnment and graveside services will take place at Upchurch Cemetery, Norwich, at a later date.
