Beverlee "Bev" Borbe, 87, passed away November 12 in Santa Rosa, California. She was a retired educator and a longtime leader for Nazarene Missions International. She and her husband, Richard, celebrated 67 years of marriage in August.

Bev attended Pasadena College (now Point Loma Nazarene University) and was a graduate of the University of California at Sacramento and the University of California at Davis. She was a teacher for 20 years for the Auburn Union School District in California, as well as a coordinator and consultant for special projects.

Love for education spread to Bev's service in NMI. She was involved in mission education on several levels, editing adult mission education curriculum for several years and writing children’s mission education. She served as the Sacramento district NMI president for 16 years and as global NMI president for four years. She also represented the Southwest USA educational zone on the Global NMI Council and helped produce a number of NMI publications, such as the Faith Promise Planner. She also authored199 Mission Program Ideas—for All Reasons and Seasons, a book still available today.

“My first encounter with Bev Borbe was when I was a local NMI president on the Eastern Kentucky District," said Lola Brickey, global NMI director. "I was blessed to have been mentored by Bev. She brought her unique gifts and abilities to NMI, and the Kingdom has benefited in so many ways.”

Bev is survived by her husband, Richard, two children, Diane Wagner and Dick Borbe, and three grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wesleyan-Holiness Digital Library by visiting nazarenefoundation.org, clicking on “Donate Now,” and selecting “Beverlee Borbe Memorial” in the “Designation” list. Checks can also be mailed to:

Beverlee Borbe Memorial
c/o The Church of the Nazarene Foundation
17001 Prairie Star Parkway Ste. 200
Lenexa, KS 66220

Cards and remembrances may be sent to:

Richard Borbe
300 Fountaingrove Parkway, Room 214
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

“NMI loved and appreciated Bev," said Nina G. Gunter, general superintendent emerita and former global NMI director. "She was one of the best workshop presenters and NMI leaders. She helped shape NMI leaders for the mission. I cherish the times working with Bev as a creative educator, a passionate NMI leader, and a dear friend.”

--Nazarene Missions International