HARDY, Beverly Ann

Published by The Daily Courier on May 9, 2026 - Prescott, Arizona - Beverly Ann Anderton Swanson Aylward Hardy, age 87, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026, in Carefree, AZ. Born on January 13, 1939, in Akron, Iowa., Beverly lived a life devoted to faith, family, education, art, and service to others. Beverly grew up on a farm in Alcester, South Dakota, where she raised sheep through 4-H and developed the strong work ethic and warm spirit that would define her life. At the age of 13, she began dating her childhood sweetheart, Ray Swanson. The two married in 1959 in Alcester, South Dakota, and later moved to Redlands, California. Beverly attended Yankton College, where she earned her elementary teaching certificate. She taught first and fourth grade for several years and carried her love for education throughout her life. Beverly and Ray eventually opened a curio shop in Oak Glen, California, and she worked faithfully alongside her husband in support of his art career. In building their family, Beverly and Ray adopted daughter Pamela and son Steven. In 1973, the family moved to Prescott, Arizona, where they raised their children before relocating to Carefree, Arizona in 1986. In later years, Prescott once again became Beverly’s beloved home. A woman of deep Christian faith, Beverly dedicated much of her life to serving the Lord through ministry, education, hospitality, and encouragement of others. She helped found and operate Prescott Christian Academy and spent more than 50 years as a speaker and board member with Christian Women’s Club/Stonecroft Ministries. She also supported numerous ministries devoted to sharing the Gospel, including the Billy Graham Association and outreach efforts throughout Prescott. Beverly taught Bible studies, volunteered faithfully in church, and had a gift for bringing people together through events, gatherings, and fellowship. Beverly also carried a lifelong love for art. She was an accomplished artist in her own right, painting florals, animals, still lifes, and china pieces. She supported the arts community in Prescott through her involvement with the Phippen Museum, serving as a board member, supporting the Phippen Show, and helping create the Ray Swanson Studio display at the museum. She enjoyed hosting friends, entertaining, decorating, shopping, painting, movies, and spending meaningful time with the many women and couples whose lives she touched over the years. Beverly especially loved creating events and opportunities that combined her passions for faith, education, art, and service. Beverly married Patrick Aylward 2007, after being widowed, they enjoyed living between Crystal Lake, MN and Prescott ,AZ. They worked together in evangelism in Prescott. They had 15 wonderful years together. After the passing of her second husband, Patrick Aylward, Beverly was blessed to find love again later in life. At age 85, she married Don Hardy, who lovingly cared for and supported her during their two years together. Beverly is survived by her husband, Don Hardy; daughter Pamela Pierce; son Steven Swanson; grandchildren Cody Swanson, Justin Swanson, Victoria Pierce, Jacquelyn Pierce, Preston Pierce, and Parker Pierce; great-grandchildren Samantha Swanson and Bentley Ray Swanson; and her brother, Clark Anderton. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cliff and Verna Anderton; her husband Ray Swanson; and her husband Patrick Aylward. Beverly’s life mission was to use her God-given gifts to serve her Lord and Savior and to encourage others through faith, beauty, generosity, and love. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through ministry, friendship, education, and art. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Solid Rock Community Church, 148 South Marina Street, Prescott, Arizona 86303. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Stonecroft Ministries (Prescott Area Woman’s Connection) or the Phippen Museum in Prescott, Arizona. Information provided by the family.