Beverly Simmons Knoblock

Beverly was born April 17, 1928 in Kenosha, WI to Leland W. and May J. Simmons. She grew up in Waukegan, IL attended Waukegan High School and then Milliken University, in Decatur, IL, where she met her love, Paul T. Knoblock. Beverly graduated with a Music Degree and spent time as a kindergarten and music teacher during her early years of marriage and before adopting her own children, Erick and Gretchen. Beverly and Paul raised their family in Wilmette, IL.

Beverly was a long-time supporter of The Cradle in Evanston, IL. She opened her home for many years to ‘Cradle Girls’ who were in need of room and board while going through their pregnancies. Always helping those in need, she also hosted immigrant children while their parents found work and established themselves on paths to citizenship and inner-city women pursuing college educations in the north suburbs of Chicago.

A proud, highly spirited and life-long Democrat, many an evening was spent in lively debate of the day’s political issues. Beverly volunteered for the Indiana Democratic Party for many years, aiding Governor Bayh’s campaign and as a precinct committee-woman.

Beverly served as the Benefit Chair of the Junior Auxiliary of the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation, and also volunteered for Children’s Advocates in Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s North Group, and various other causes that were special to her.

Beverly lost her husband Paul in 1977, and moved her family to Carmel, IN in 1980. Despite a few ups and downs along the way, she remained devoted to her children and they to her. She was a strong and capable influence in keeping her family intact during difficult times.

In her later years, she traveled the world over, continuing the tradition she started decades earlier with her husband Paul. Beverly embraced every culture and immersed herself in all that each country she visited had to offer. One of her most cherished places was St. Maarten and all the wonderful friendships made there over nearly 30 years of annual visits.

Beverly lived her life to the fullest, rich with long-standing friendships and amazing life experiences.

She is survived by her children, Gretchen Knoblock of Traverse City, MI, Erick (Stacy, nee Nisley) of Fishers, IN; Grandchildren Kaitlyn (Clark Dalton), Ashton, Sadie and Kiley Knoblock all of Fishers, IN, and Great Grand-daughter Marley Dalton; her niece Sherry Simmons of Scottsdale, AZ; nephew Gregg Simmons (Ursula) of Dallas, TX and their children Robert, Gordon and William Simmons.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Gordon Simmons, and husband Paul T. Knoblock.

An Indianapolis-area memorial service will be held Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Flanner Buchanan – Carmel, 325 E. Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN with calling from 2pm to 4pm and service at 4pm.

Her ashes will be interred at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 1140 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette, IL the following Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 11am for family and any friends wishing to be present. A celebration of her life will follow from 3pm to 6pm at Hackney’s on Lake, 1514 E. Lake Ave. in Glenview, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Indianapolis Humane Society, Munson Medical Center Hospice House in Traverse City, MI, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.