Beverly Mae (Skala) Mays, 72, of Crete, passed away Jan. 11, 2026.
Beverly was born Sept. 19, 1953, in Seward, to Otto Skala and Rose (Kouba) Skala. She graduated from Crete High School in 1972, where she met the love of her life, David Mays. Beverly and David were married Sept. 30, 1974, and together they welcomed two children, Ciji Mays of Wilber and Kyle Mays of Crete. Their marriage lasted 18 years until David’s unexpected passing in 1993. After his passing, Beverly was blessed with her youngest child, Austyn Jaroska of Crete.
Beverly found great joy in cooking and baking, and those who knew her fondly remember her homemade runzas, fried chicken, omelets, and sweet treats that never failed to impress. Holidays and birthdays held a special place in her heart, with decorations filling her home inside and out. She loved creating memorable celebrations for her family.
Music was one of Beverly’s greatest passions and was a constant presence in her home. She especially loved attending concerts, and one of her favorite memories was at a Brad Paisley concert when he walked over and held her hand – a moment she cherished.
In addition to cooking and music, Beverly had a true talent for creating beautiful flower arrangements. Each spring, she eagerly selected flowers from Emerald to fill her yard and hanging baskets. She took great pride in her landscaping and had a natural eye for knowing which flowers looked best together.
In 2017, Beverly experienced several strokes and later resided at the Wilber Care Center until her passing. Even there, flowers, sweet treats and visits from loved ones continued to bring her joy. Above all else, her grandchildren were her greatest happiness.
Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Rose Skala; stepfather, Richard Kolarik; husband, David Mays; brothers, Eugene and Ronnie Skala; sister, Joyce Skala; and nephew, Terry Rahe.
She is survived by her daughter, Ciji Mays; sons, Kyle Mays and Austyn Jaroska; daughter-in-law, Katelin Mays; grandchildren, Jordan Baehr and William Mays; sisters, Shirley Kobes (Allen Kobes), Bonnie Hartwig, JoAnn Strouf (Tom Strouf), and Jeanette Collier; brothers, Virgil Skala and Dennis Kolarik; nieces, Shelby Skala, Annette Kobes, Lisa Kobes, Sheryl Yost, Melissa Roselli, Stacie Siebert, Sheila Goebel, and Nicole Emeigh; and nephews, Rodney Skala, Jeffery Skala, Scott Strouf, Dusty Ballance, and Zac Skala.
The funeral service will be Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10:30 a.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete with viewing beginning one hour prior to the service. Casual attire is requested. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of the family for future designation.
Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.
