Beverly Jean (Cummings) Fessler

BEVERLY FESSLER

DOW - Beverly Jean Fessler, 71, died at 1:32 a.m., Friday, December 12, 2025 at Alton Memorial Hospital with her family at her side, following a courageous fight with cancer. 

She was born on January 10, 1954 in Carrollton, Illinois, the daughter of the late Francis George “Frank” and Lila L. (Devening) Cummings. 

Bev grew up in Kane, where her family was deeply rooted in the former Kane Methodist Church. That church would remain an important part of her life, as it was there she married Michael Fessler on April 5, 1974. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work, and shared in the joy of raising their four children.

Family was always at the heart of Bev’s life. In later years, nothing brought her more happiness than time spent with her grandchildren, who were her greatest pride and joy. Whether attending their activities, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying everyday moments together, Bev cherished every second she was able to spend with them.

Bev had a strong work ethic and a natural ability to connect with people, qualities that served her well during her 30-year career in the banking industry. She spent many of those years with First Bank in Florissant, Missouri,  where she eventually retired in 2014 as Branch Manager. Bev was respected not only for her professionalism and leadership, but also for the kindness and care she showed to customers and coworkers alike.

Outside of her career, Bev enjoyed quilting and sewing, creative pursuits that reflected her patience, attention to detail, and love for creating things meant to be shared and treasured by others.

She is survived by her husband, Mike Fessler of Dow; four children, Chris (MaTyna) Fessler of Jerseyville, Cindy Fessler (Timothy Lyons) of Jerseyville, Kyle (Elisa) Fessler of Jerseyville,, and Jon Fessler of St. Charles, Missouri; six grandchildren, Cheyenne Fessler, Grace Fessler, Addison Fessler, Grant Fessler, Hudson Lyons, and Evan Fessler; two sisters, Barbara Yarrell and Elizabeth Fenton; as well as a brother and sister-in-law, Daniel and Lynn Cummings.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Tracie Cummings, and two brothers, David and Michael Cummings.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Friday. Burial will follow at Kane Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Family and Consumer Science Department at Jersey Community High School.

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