Gloria Mae Beaver left this world peacefully to be with God on December 20, 2024, at the age of 94.  She was born on November 17,1930 in   Poynette, Wisconsin to Martha (Zechel) and Daniel Smith.  She was the "apple of her mama and papa's eye" being the last born of 8 children.  Mom graduated Valedictorian of her Poynette HS class of 1948.  She worked for many years as a waitress at The Owl's Nest in Poynette until 1964 when she and her children moved to Mazomanie.

Mom's life was filled with many great loves, most notably her deep faith, being a longtime member of The Mazomanie United Church of Christ, having served as financial secretary, Sunday school teacher, pianist as well as singing in the choir.

She had many interests but dear to her heart was bird watching.  She fed and watched them, admiring their many colors and calls.  Early on, along with playing the piano, mom played numerous other musical instruments of which included the clarinet, accordion and marimba.  It was her love and appreciation of music that led her to find the "love of her life" musician Ivan "Buzz" Beaver and in 1970 they married. Together they shared their love of music, outdoors and travel with their children camping throughout the United States on family vacations.

Other interests were planting vegetables and flowers, always making sure to grow milkweed to promote monarch butterfly visits, baking and cross-stitching and looked forward to her weekly get-together with her card playing friends.  She had the patience of a saint and was a master at crossword puzzles, cryptoquote, "Jeopardy," and "The Wheel."   Mom loved her Wisconsin sports teams, always cheering on the Badgers, Brewers, Packers and her beloved Bucks!

Survived by Buzz and Gloria's children, Arthur Tweeten (Denise Johnsrud), Martha Ewing, Yvonne Tweeten (Dave Saunders), Lisa (Ron) Hellenbrand, Jamie (Lily) Beaver, Del (Ruth) Beaver, Nola (Bob) Schrieber, Patty (David) Pruett, and Kathie (Curt) Michaelson, sister-in-law Blanche Ploetz and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband Ivan (Buzz) Beaver, infant daughter Tina Marie Tweeten, son Kurt Waldsmith, good friend Vernon (Joe) Ryan and siblings.

A "Celebration of Life" followed by a luncheon will be on Sat. May 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Mazomanie United Church of Christ, 109 W. Hudson Street Mazomanie, Wi.

The family would like to thank Milestone Senior Living Staff in Cross Plains for caring for Gloria and also their sincerest gratitude to Agrace Hospice for their compassionate and loving care.  Memorials may be made to The Mazomanie United Church of Christ or to Agrace Hospice 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, Wi. 53711.