Beverly Ann (Ninneman) Gaffney, 94, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025 with family by her side.
Bev was born on her grandparent’s farm on August 20, 1930 outside Lime Ridge, Wisconsin to Harvey and Lucille (DuBois) Ninneman.
Bev attended McCoy School town of North Freedom. She went to Reedsburg High School (Hay Creek Site) where they had to walk to South School for lunch. She graduated in 1949 from Baraboo Senior High School.
Bev married Arden D. Gaffney on September 2, 1950 at Emanuel Church. Together they farmed until April 1984 when they sold the farm.
Bev worked at Bareva Sportswear, Pierces Grocery Store (10 yrs.), Baraboo Senior High in the Kitchen (10 yrs.), Pierces Supermarket (10 yrs.) and Ski-Hi Apple Orchard making pies. Bev was a member of Emanuel Church and taught Sunday school there.
She is survived by and was blessed with two children Judith (John) Mente and Timothy (Lois Patterson) Gaffney. She is further survived by grandchildren Benjamin (Laurynda) Gaffney, Melissa Weinke, Brandon (Adrianne) Clark and Guy Gaffney along with 11 great grandchildren, Aubrey, Kelcey, Zach, Dugan, Katelynn, Ally, Lilly, Jacob, Nolan, Bryton, Amaya; as well as her sister, Ellen Fry and many loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years in February 2025; her parents; in-laws Guy and Emma Gaffney; sister, Marcella Baetje; brothers, Kenneth (Diane) Ninneman, Dean (Arlene) Ninneman; brother in-law, Ed Fry; niece, Sharon (Baetje) Crivello; nephews, David and Jerry Ninneman; Dale and Ronnie Baetje; sisters-in-laws, Ardith (Lester) Fearing, Edith (Charles) Fredericks.
Per Bev’s wishes, a private graveside service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, North Freedom. A public celebration of life will take place at a later date.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Agrace Hospice and Dr. Ethan Carlson for the loving care they provided to Bev.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to the family. The Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Penny Quandt May 04, 2025
Friend Dothan , AL
Bev was the a Gem of a woman.I worked with her at Pierce’s and we went to church and would see her a Arden every early church.Bless you all ,God has gained a very special Angel.
Jim and Becky May 04, 2025
Family Baraboo , Wisconsin
Now the card playing can begin in heaven. How I miss seeing Bev, Edith, Charles and Arden next door in the backyard playing cards on summer nights. Rest easy.
Gwen (Bell) Drolshagen May 04, 2025
Distant cousin Berlin , Wisconsin
My heartfelt condolences and prayers Bev & Tim on the loss of your mom so soon after your dad Gwen
Gwen (Bell) Drolshagen May 04, 2025
Distant cousin Berlin , Wisconsin
My heartfelt condolences and prayers Judy and Tim as you mourn the loss of your mom. I have wonderful memories of both of your parents when they hosted our Skillet Creek 4-H parties many years ago. They both will be missed .
Mary Schmieder May 04, 2025
Friend Wild Rose , Wisconsin
I am so sorry for your loss. Bev was a wonderful person. Prayers sent for family and friends.
Linda Schenck May 05, 2025
Acquaintance Baraboo , Wisconsin
Bev was a fantastic person and dedicated caregiver. She was a patient, loving spouse who quietly gave the best of herself in caring for Arden. May she rest now in peace.
Jill (Angell) Quandt May 05, 2025
Friend of family Baraboo , Wisconsin
Bev and Arden along with my parents are playing a wonderful game of 500 in Heaven today. Bev was a sweet and selfless woman who touched the lives of so many, including mine. My sincerest condolences to Tim and family.
Borys Kusyk May 05, 2025
Patient Beaufort , South Carolina
Saddened to read about Beverly's passing. She was a beautiful and gentle lady. Enjoyed taking care of her and Arden.
Ann Effinger May 05, 2025
Friend Merrimac , Wisconsin
I will surely miss seeing Bev (along with Arden) in church. Condolences to the entire family.
Kathleen Tuttle May 05, 2025
Collegue Baraboo , Wisconsin
I was a teacher at the HS when Bev was there. She always had a smile for my students. My condolences.
Karen Baetje May 05, 2025
Family Reedsburg , Wisconsin
I am so sad to see this. Your mom and dad were The best. I can't imagine the pain in your hearts going through this so soon after yor dad. You are in my prayers. Big hugs to you all.
Georgia and Gary Schara May 06, 2025
Friend and neighbor Kalispell , Montana
My deepest sympathy for your Loss! Bev was a great friend and the best neighbor to Us ! We feel honored to have known her. They are together again Arden and Bev walking hand in hand in Gods Kingdom .
Nola Schreiner May 06, 2025
Friend Minneapolis , Minnesota
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was always a favorite to our whole family. Especially mom
Kathy Siberz May 07, 2025
former co-worker Baraboo , Wisconsin
My sympathy to the family. I worked with Bev at Pierce's many years ago. She was a hard worker and always so pleasant and easy to get along with . Always had a smile.
Steven E Paris May 08, 2025
Friend MADISON , Wisconsin
Oh dear... What a beautiful and lovely lady. I grew up in baraboo and always looked up to both Arden and Bev as perfect examples of what God expects us to be. Bev Gaffney is a radiant being. And was always an angelic blessing to everyone she came into contact with. Deepest condolences and sympathy to Tim and Judy and all the rest of your wonderful family.
Steven E Paris May 08, 2025
Friend MADISON , Wisconsin
Oh dear... Bev Gaffney is a perfect example of what God expects us to be. I grew up in baraboo and as a child always looked up to both Arden and Bev. Condolences to Judy and Tim and the rest of your wonderful family. And to both Bev and Arden.... Good job!