Remembering Beverly Bodenhamer

Photo Submitted

Beverly Bodenhamer.

Beverly Bodenhamer, a compassionate philanthropic leader and beloved friend, passed away at the age of 87 on Tuesday, June 18. Beverly and her husband, Lee, have been champions of the U of A for decades, establishing the Bodenhamer Fellowship in 1998, one of the most prestigious scholarships the university offers to undergraduates.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Beverly Bodenhamer, a cherished friend of the University of Arkansas whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "Her commitment to student success had a profound impact on our campus, and her memory will forever be a part of our university's history."

Beverly and the Bodenhamer family have established a strong sense of community among fellowship recipients. Each fall and spring, they hosted receptions for current and alumni fellows, creating a springboard for success and a pathway for lifelong connections among "Bodie" fellows. The Bodenhamers have also provided scholarship support through the Honors College Path Program, a mentoring initiative that recruits talented high school students from underrepresented populations and helps them reach their full academic potential. Throughout the years, the Bodenhamer family has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success and higher education. Beverly served as a member of the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee and as treasurer from 2012-2017.

"The impact of the Bodenhamer Fellowship created by Dr. Lee and Beverly Bodenhamer is immesurable, and we are deeply saddened by Beverly's passing," said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. "She shared her time and resources to transform the lives of countless students who have benefitted from her generosity. Beverly leaves an inspirational legacy, and she will be greatly missed."

Beverly was born in North Little Rock in 1937, graduated from North Little Rock High School and attended the University of Arkansas Little Rock. She met her husband, Lee, while working at an antique store that she owned. Beverly spent much of her career in real estate, which she continued to do into her 70s. Beverly was a master gardener and a passionate Razorback fan.

Beverly is survived by her husband, Lee Bodenhamer; children, Gary and Marsha Apple of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Ann Rosso and Wayne Britt of Fayetteville, Jim and Sue Bodenhamer of Parker, Colorado, John and Nina Bodenhamer of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Bob Bodenhamer of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Ashley Apple, Shawn Apple, Andrew Apple, Justin King, Bryan King, Corey King, Erin McIntosh (Seth), Justin Ternes, Lauren Rosso (Turner Tomlinson), Elle Wood (Sam), John Michael Ternes, Hannah Riley (Ben), Gigi Golden, Brock Golden, Leah Bodenhamer (Scotty Horner), Eliza Bodenhamer, Elizabeth Bodenhamer, Lena Bodenhamer, Sarah Bodenhamer, Emily Bodenhamer, Abby Jo Bodenhamer, and Katherine Bodenhamer; and great grandchildren: Gavin Apple, Stella Apple, Addison Apple, Serenity King, Raelynn King, Skylar Riley, and Amara Bodenhamer.

Memorial services were held Tuesday, July 2, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Fayetteville.