Obituary: Beverly Naumann, 91, Of Redding

Information and Photo Courtesy Bouton Funeral Home

REDDING, CT — Beverly Naumann died peacefully at the Regional Hospice care facility in Danbury while surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Born on Aug. 23, 1931 in Greenwich Hospital, Beverly grew up in Riverside with her parents, Jessie and DeHaven Ross, and older sister, Barbara. A few years after graduating Greenwich High School, she married Harold William George Lyons. They had two sons, Tim and Jeff. After her divorce in 1972, Bev moved to Redding. She planned on marrying veterinarian Jim Rankin, but an unexpected and devastating illness caused his passing. She married William Naumann in July of 1975. Bill passed in January, 1999.

When she lived in Greenwich, Bev was a dedicated homemaker and mother. She was also very proud of her vegetable garden; her summer meals for the family always included homegrown tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, green beans and radishes. When she wasn’t at home taking care of her kids or the house, she more often than not was at her favorite place in town: Tod’s Point. She worshipped the sun, sand and surf.

Bev was very proud of her heritage. On her father’s side, she was a direct descendant of Jacob DeHaven, a patriot during the Revolutionary War who directly funded George Washington and the Continental Army with $50,000.00 in gold, and an estimated $400,000.00 in supplies while the army was encamped at Valley Forge over the winter of 1778. Her father, DeHaven Ross, was treasurer of the Homelite Company in Port Chester, NY, Commodore of the Riverside Yacht Club, and very active in civic affairs of Greenwich. On her maternal side, her grandparents, Henry Lawrence Southwick and Jessie Eldridge Southwick were fundamental in the founding, funding and teaching during the early years of Emerson College in Boston. Her grandmother’s maiden name, Eldridge, is the original publisher of HH The Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book; essential reading for any seafarer worth his or her salt.

Bev’s love of animals was well-known to all that knew her. She regularly donated to various animal welfare organizations too numerous to count. Her passion for golden retrievers was also legendary; she had four goldens while living in Redding. She also had numerous cats, and for years daily fed her wild friends – deer, raccoons, opossums, feral cats, and birds. Bev’s love of nature also extended into her lovely array of flowers and plants that annually adorned her deck.

Beverly had a truly free spirit. Her innate goodness and cheerful demeanor were felt and appreciated by all who know and loved her. Firm in her beliefs, strong and passionate with her opinions, there was never any question about where she stood on any given topic.
Beverly is survived by her beloved golden Pip, Pepe the Cat, her sons: Tim of Greenwich and Jeff of Bethel; granddaughters Jessie Lyons of Stamford, Ashley Yanez of Greenwich and two great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday Jan. 27, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Bouton Funeral Home, 31 West Church St. Georgetown with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 noon. Burial will be held in Umpawaug Cemetery, Redding.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make donations to any animal welfare organization of your choosing.