Riley 1949 Beverly Delores (Munger) Crone

Oct. 17, 1932 - Dec. 31, 2017

SOUTH BEND - Beverly Delores (Munger) Crone, 85, of South Bend, passed away after a brief illness on December 31, 2017. Beverly was born to Helen and Truman Munger on October 17, 1932 in St. Louis, Missouri.

She is survived by three sons, Terry A. (Cheryl) Crone of Carmel, Indiana, Gary L. (Michele) Crone of Spotsylvania, Virginia, and Larry A. Crone of South Bend, Indiana. She is also survived by siblings, Glenda (the late Bob) Walcott of Fort Myers, Florida, Larry (Carol) Munger of Elkhart, Indiana and Terry (the late Susan) Munger of Lakeville, Indiana, ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and Sue (Robert) Litteral of North Liberty, whom she loved like a daughter. Beverly is also preceded in death by her brother, Harry “Sonny” Munger.

Beverly graduated from Riley High School in South Bend in 1949 at the age of 16. Beverly was actively involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending innumerable athletic and school events. She brought warmth and dignity to all she encountered and was beloved by many.

She worked as the manager of Southmore Mutual Housing Corporation before being elected to two terms as a City Councilman at Large for the city of South Bend. She subsequently served for ten years as the St. Joseph County Auditor before being elected to two terms as a County Commissioner. She and Cindy Bodle were the first female County Commissioners in St. Joseph County, and Mrs. Crone was the first female President of the St. Joseph County Commissioners as well as the county's first female Auditor.

During her long career of public service, Mrs. Crone drafted South Bend's sewer insurance program ordinance, spearheaded the effort to save the 1855 courthouse from demolition, and oversaw its renovation to a functioning court facility. She also played a major role in the construction of the Fredericks Juvenile Justice Center, the Mishawaka AM General factory, the INTEk facility in New Carlisle, and the ethanol plant in South Bend. She was well known for her understanding and familiarity with governmental budgets.

Among her many awards were the Sagamore of the Wabash award from Governor Evan Bayh, the Women's Fest Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Ideal Baldoni Distinguished Achievement Award. She was awarded keys to the Cities of South Bend and Mishawaka as well as St. Joseph County. In 2012 the St. Joe County Commissioners and the County Park Board named a 110-acre recreation area Beverly D. Crone Park.

The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff of Memorial Hospital for their kind and professional service during her final days.

Visitation will be Friday from 1:00-8:00 PM at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN on Friday, January 5, 2018. A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel with additional visitation one hour prior to the funeral service. Pastor Tim Davis will officiate. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the South Bend County Park Foundation, designated for Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area, in the care of Palmer Funeral Home, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46614. Condolences may be given online at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune from Jan. 3 to Jan. 5, 2018

jmc 3 jan 2018

Beverly was born on October 17, 1932 and passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017.

Beverly was a resident of South Bend, Indiana at the time of passing.

Beverly graduated from Riley High School in South Bend in 1949 at the age of 16.

Visitation will be Friday from 1:00-8:00 PM at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN on Friday, January 5, 2018. A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel with additional visitation one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend. Condolences may be given online at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com South Bend County Park Foundation, designated for Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend IN 46614 1-574-291-5880 Visitation at the Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM on January 5, 2018. Friday January 5, 2018 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN 46614 January 6, 2018 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN 46614 January 6, 2018 12:00 PM Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel 3718.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the South Bend County Park Foundation, designated for Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area, in the care of Palmer Funeral Home, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46614

jmc 2 jan 2018