Beverly Ridgway Kimes passed away suddenly on October 9, 2012 at her home in Alexandria, VA from natural causes. She was 87 years old. Beverly Ridgway was born on January 8, 1925 in Brooklyn, NY. She was raised by her mother and grandparents and often spoke of a happy childhood sailing on her father's tugboat in New York City Harbor, visiting the arboretum, and spending hours in the public library. The latter led her to being an avid reader, always having a book by her side. Beverly had a lifelong affair with figure skating. As a young woman, she was an Eastern Regional champion in ice dancing with her first husband. She was a member of the Washington Figure Skating Club (WFSC) and the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) for 68 years. She was a past president and treasurer of WSFC and served as a national synchronized judge, dance judge and freestyle judge for 57 years. She often sponsored young skaters who needed financial help. She was a serious spectator, attending World, Olympic and National Championships whenever possible. When she was honored by the USFSA with a 50 year judging award, she said, "I have enjoyed what seems to be my entire life in an ice rink. I even wear winter coast in the summer from force of habit." Beverly was a faithful and active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for 44 years, servng at the National, State and Chapter levels. As a member of the District of Columbia State Society (DCDAR), she was a state officer and Chapter Regent, held numerous chairmanships, and provided vital mentoring to new member of the Society. For over 20 years she was dedicated to the DCDAR's welcoming activities for new American citizens at the U.S. District Court in Washington, DC. Beverly was dedicated to working with children, promoting love of country and learning as a Life Promoter of the National Society of Children of the American Revolution. Beverly retired from the Department of Defense have serving over 40 years as a civil servant, becoming an expert in logistics and supply. In 1962, she married Col. Edward L. Kimes, whom she affectionately called "Nedwood." He acted as a father to her son, Dean and was a companion to her for 44 years. Together, they raised and enjoyed many cats; they visited most of Europe; they enjoyed their membership at the Army Navy Country Club, where Beverly was a regular participant at the Friday Bridge Group and the Women's 9-hole Organization; they worshiped together at the local Episcopal Church; they had lunch at the Peking Gourmet in Falls Church every Monday when in town; they spent many weekends at their townhouse in St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake; and they were avid Redskins fans. She was a lover of the performing arts regularly attending events at the Kennedy Center, the National Theater and Broadway. After Ned passed away, Beverly enjoyed cruises to the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the Far East and China Coast. One of the great joys in Beverly's and Ned's life was the bond that they formed with the Tucker family. For over 30 years, they shared many Christmas Days and holidays together. Beverly considered them her extended family. Ned and Beverly were like a second set of parents to the Tuckers and grandparents to their children. Beverly never missed a birthday, graduation day or wedding day. Beverly was a strong, generous woman, who was always outspoken and always loyal to her friends and loved ones. She led a full and good life. Beverly is survived by her son, Dean Hanson; her stepson, Brian Kimes and his wife, Kathalyn, and by Ginger Tucker and her sons, Matt, Lindsey and Peter. She will be laid to rest with her husband in Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, March 1, 2013 at 2 p.m. MurphyFuneralHomes.com

Published in The Washington Post on February 22, 2013