Beverly Grace Kane

Beverly Grace (Bev) Kane passed away on January 19, 2025, at Countryside Village of Grants Pass, Oregon. Bev was born on June 7, 1930, in Long Beach California to Johanes and Bessie Voogt. 

Bev graduated from John Marshall High School of Burbank in 1948 and received her associate's degree in Home Economics at Los Angeles City College, before attending the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied foreign relations in preparation for a career in the foreign service. However, marriage interrupted those plans as she married Robert D. Cornwall in 1953 (later divorced). She would spend many years as a homemaker, raising their two sons. After her sons Bob and Jim Cornwall were in high school, she entered the career world, spending twenty-five years as the manager of the Favell Museum in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Later in life, she married Don Kane of Grants Pass, where she moved after their marriage.

Bev had many hobbies and interests. These included doll-making and collecting, sewing, quilting, and music. She sang in church choirs, directing the junior choir at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Klamath Falls. She was also a member of the Melodians for twenty years and Opus 6 for ten. She played the bells as well at Calvary Lutheran Church. 

Bev was very active in community life. She received the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award for her leadership as President of the Klamath County Chamber. She also received the Klamath County Western Heritage Award. Additionally, she participated in the fundraising committees for the hospital, Ross Raglund Theater, Bill Collier Ice Rink, and the Klamath Falls mural project. She was also a Lioness, and a member of the American Business Women of America, the PEO. 

Bev was also very interested in children, including public education. She served as an assistant third-grade teacher in Mount Shasta, California, helped run a private kindergarten in Klamath Falls, served on the advisory board at Mazama Mid High, and was president of the PTA at various times. She even ran (unsuccessfully) for the Klamath Falls School Board. In addition, she was a charter member of the Children’s Home Society of Siskiyou County and the Klamath Assistance League.

Bev is survived by her sons: the Rev. Dr. Robert Cornwall (Cheryl), and Jim Cornwall, along with her stepchildren Diane Russell, Donnie Kane, Brad Kane (Alicia), and Kelly Corielle (Dean), along with nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers John Voogt (Jill) and Johnny Voogt (Simone), along with nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Don Kane and her parents. 

A Memorial Service will be held on March 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church, (909 NE A St, Grants Pass, OR). The inurnment of her remains will take place at the St. Luke's Episcopal Church Columbarium in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

In place of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church (ELCA) of Grans Pass or Hospice. 

Please share a memory of Beverly in her Guestbook.