Beverly Ryerson Hull Everts

Beverly Jean Ryerson Hull Everts aka "Pussycat" aged 82 of 318 S. Albany St. Ithaca passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday October 1st, 2017 at the Beechtree Center. Born July 3rd, 1935, to Harry and Eunice Ryerson, in the College Town area of Ithaca on College Ave, next to the 9's fire station where her father was the acting fire chief. At the age of 12, Beverly won a bicycle in a popularity contest where she was described as a "nice girl" and who "deserves to win"; a sentiment that would follow her throughout her life. After graduating from High School, Beverly attended nursing school in her consistent pursuit to help others and to bring comfort. In 1956, Beverly married, Harry Hull. After their divorce and with the help of her father, she bought her first College Town property at 210 College Ave., just down the street from her first home. With the success of this property she translated it to the purchase of 2 more at 702 and 717 E. Buffalo St. to begin her empire. She then met and married William "Red" Everts. She and Red then moved to their long time residence of 305 E. fall St where Beverly opened her door and her heart to Red's children. She also opened her heart and her house to many of her own children's friends to the point of them feeling that she was their second mother due to the outpouring of love and acceptance shown them with her every action and offerings. The house also became known as "The S.P.C.A. Annex" because of her inability to turn away every stray cat or dog offered to her or left on her doorstep. She wore the moniker "Crazy Cat Lady" with pride and, if you knew, you understood the "Crazy" part meant the crazy amount of love and help she would offer any animal that passed through her doorstep whether flesh or furry. She became such a well known and beloved character due to her outreach to animals; Beverly was actually the subject of an article in the Ithaca Journal on January 5, 1981. When her children were in their teen years, Beverly found the time to coach a girl's softball team for many years, once again spreading her love to many of those beyond her family. From 1988 to 1999, she bought and revitalized what has come to be known as one of Ithaca's premiere diners known now as "The Lincoln Street Diner". Beverly's personality of love and outreach found its best fit while at the diner talking to and engaging customers, telling her stories and listening intently to those of her costumers, working with Amelia and Bud Wimer and the beloved short order cook, John Martin. After selling the diner, Beverly still needed a conduit to provide warmth and caring to anyone in need and she found this by volunteering for the Red Cross Blood bank. She was shown that her time there was also valuable and greatly appreciated when she won an award declaring her as "Volunteer of the Month". Sadly, shortly after the award, she suffered a stroke which debilitated her right arm and walking so she could no longer carry on at the Red Cross. She was then placed in the Beechtree center in the same room with her husband Red, who had been placed there 3 years earlier. She became a favorite of the nurses with her friendly and easy going attitude and they would often braid her hair for her so she would always feel and look her best.
Beverly is survived by her children, Craig, Michelle and Jeff and their families; her step-children, Tari, John, Roberta, and Fredric Everts and their families; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be from 3 to 5 P.M. on Monday, October 30th at Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden. Family and friends are invited to greet the family at the Royal Court Restaurant, Monday, October 30, 2017, from 5:30 - 7 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the local S.P.C.A, 1640 Hanshaw Rd. Ithaca, NY, 14850.