BEVERLY CLAIRE FRITZ

Beverly Claire (Burdette) Fritz passed peacefully on May 1st, 2025, at Bella Villaggio Assisted Living in Palm Desert, CA at the age of 97. Born on October 15th, 1927, to Freda Bell Burdette, Beverly spent her early years in Somerton, Arizona living with her mother in the home of her maternal grandparents, Guy and Ivah Musgrove. From her earliest days, she developed and nurtured lifelong relationships with family and friends. During her elementary school days, her generous nature became apparent when her grandparents learned of some unusually high purchases on their account at a local store. Beverly had been buying items for less fortunate friends. She developed a lifelong passion for horses and her expertise earned her a stint as a runner-up for Rodeo Queen.

According to her lifelong love, Harry George Fritz, Beverly first caught his attention when he saw her astride her horse. The two were married in December of 1947, and in quick succession were the parents of four children. Beverly dedicated herself to becoming the best mother she could be and engaged in many activities to support and enrich her family's life.

In 1959, the family moved from Yuma to Las Vegas, NV. Soon after, Beverly became a swim team Mom. Her efforts were rewarded when her children began enjoying significant success in swimming, and later, her sons, in tennis.

A work-related move to Grand Bahama Island in the mid-seventies brought friends and family to visit and enjoy Beverly's hospitality and Island-based culinary skills, earning her the nickname "Bahama Momma."

Back in the states in the mid 80's, Beverly began welcoming grandchildren. She took an active part in helping to look after them, becoming a foundational influence in their formative years.

When widowed in October of 1997, after nearly fifty years of marriage, Beverly remained independent and divided her time amongst family and friends, traveling between California, Arizona and Nevada.

While Beverly's health slowly declined in her 90's, her well-worn personal phone book spoke to her continued care of her relationships near and far, old and new. The attendance of over 100 friends and family at her 95th birthday party showcased the strength of the bonds Beverly developed over her lifetime.

Beverly is survived by her half-sister, Susan Musgrove; three of her four children, Linda Lee Thompsen, (Charlie Ray Thompsen); Guy Henry Fritz; Lillian Laura Fritz; and daughter-in-law Margeret Ann Fritz, wife of son Harry George Fritz Jr., who passed May 2nd, 2025.

Grandchildren include bonus grandson Sean Dayment and Ryan, Mathew and Tori Fritz; Brad, Anna and Laura Havins; bonus grandsons Kris and Kyle Paben and Taylor Fritz. Great grandchildren include James and Sloane Havins, and Jordan Fritz.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Yuma, AZ, October 11th, at the Yuma Country Club.

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