Beverly Lee Haertle died peacefully on February 11, 2025, at Woodland Memorial Hospital. She was born at home on December 14, 1935, in the Western Yolo County town of Esparto. Beverly’s parents were Carroll and Helen (Russell) Ender.

Her mother was from Capay Valley pioneering families (Russell, Armstrong, and Taber) who settled in the area beginning in the mid-1800s. She was very much loved by her mother’s four brothers, three of whom (Uncles Joe, Milton, and Richard Russell) and their spouses (Aunts Rose, Wilma, and Barbara) made their life-long homes and livelihoods in the Capay Valley growing almonds and other tree crops.

Carroll Ender loved playing piano and instilled Beverly’s passion for music. Consequently, she was an accomplished piano player and vocalist and often performed in church choirs throughout her life. She graduated from Esparto High School and was the editor of her school yearbook, The Dawn.

Beverly married Esparto High classmate Bill (Sonny) Haertle in 1955, and they began married life in Berkeley, where Sonny graduated with a Chemistry degree and received a US Army officer’s commission. They were first posted in Alabama and later in Maryland, where she gave birth to her son Christopher. During a break in civilian life, Sonny and Beverly added Robin, Steven, and Ellen to their family while they lived in Carmichael and Sonny worked at Aerojet General.

When Sonny returned to active duty in 1964, Beverly and her family crisscrossed the United States several times, as Sonny was again stationed in Alabama, California (while serving in Viet Nam), New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Virginia. Beverly enjoyed each post and made many friends. In Alabama, she helped Steven’s kindergarten teacher record a 45-rpm record. In New Jersey, she decorated the officers’ club (in return, her kids got to take over the “19th Green” on Friday afternoons enjoying burgers, fries, and unlimited sodas).

In Virginia, she performed before shopping mall crowds and became a successful piano salesperson.

After a divorce in 1975, Beverly returned to Yolo County and resided in Davis, where Robin, Steven, and Ellen graduated from Davis Senior High School and UC Davis.

She began a 25-year career in skilled nursing facilities as a nurse’s aide, activities director, and compliance administrator in the Davis, Sacramento, and Salinas/Monterey Bay areas. During this time, her grandchildren Nicholas, Krista, Saul, Issac, and John were born.

In 2016, Beverly settled in Woodland to enjoy once again a ride “up the valley” with Steven’s family to get a cold soda at the Guinda General Store on a hot August afternoon.

Beverly is survived by her children and their spouses (Katherine, Anne, and Bruce), grandchildren, great-grandchildren (Will, John, James, and Preston), and her brother William Ender. Her brother Wayne preceded her in death Although she did not request a memorial service, Beverly will always be remembered for the love and care of her family, her musical gifts, and her willingness to always make and keep friendships.

Remembrances may be posted at www.smith-funerals.com/obituaries/beverly-haertle