Beverly Ann Factor
September 26, 1939 – February 7, 2026
Obituary for The Rev Dr. Beverly Ann Factor: Beverly was born in Paden City, West Virginia to Charles and Geraldine Woodburn on September 26, 1939. After her mother remarried she was adopted by Geraldine’s new husband Roy Murphy. She graduated from The General Seminary in New York City and later received her Doctorate in Congregational Development from Seabury Western in Chicago. Prior to becoming ordained as an Episcopal priest, Beverly held positions as a Certified Financial Planner, joint owner of a pharmacy, and entered the working world as an employee of the phone company.
She was preceded in death by her 4 half siblings: Jon Murphy (spouse Sherry), Mary Dunn (spouse Jerry), Linda Pucket (spouse Terry), and John Woodburn. Her mother, Geraldine, died when Beverly was only 11 years old, and it fell to her to help raise her younger half siblings. As a result, she became very responsible at a tender age. She was even voted “Miss Self Reliance” prior to graduating Zanesville High School in 1957.
She is survived by her current husband Joseph Elterman of Altadena, CA, and former husband, William Factor of Zanesville, OH. She is also survived by her two daughters, Leslie Wood (Tim) of Quaker City, OH, and Andrea Gross (Doug) of Walton, KY, as well as 2 “bonus children” James Elterman (Holly) and Sarah Roland (Kyle)
In addition, she is survived by 17 grandchildren: Rebecca Steiner (Craig), Micah Wood, Christian Wood (Nicole), Isaac Wood, Sarah Bontrager (Lamar), Timothy Wood, Elias Wood, Joel Wood, Nathan Wood (Jessy), Anna Grace Lara (Oscar) Ben Wood, Luke Wood, Dennis Wood, Christopher Gross (Gloria), Will Gross (McKenzie), Katrina Purcell (John), and Jacob Gross, as well as “8, with one on the way, bonus grandchildren”: Gracie, Alex, Max and A.J. Elterman, and Ezra Elterman, Alanis Spradling, Janis Carr and Kyle “Dukie” Roland. Expected this August will be Ramona Rose Roland. Beverly is also survived by 13 with one on the way great grandchildren: Jotham and Jesse Steiner, Selah, Elizabeth, Essence and Elijah Bontrager, Camila Wood, Luca and Luci Lara, Delilah Gross, Francis and Oliver Purcell, Rowan Gross and expected in April, Beckham Gross.
Beverly loved her vocation as an Episcopal priest and only retired when her illness prevented her from continuing. Her last assignment was perhaps her most significant. She oversaw spiritual care and led Sunday services at the former Scripps Kensington Episcopal Home in Alhambra, CA, now known as Sunnyview Care Center, where she served for over 7 years.
Beverly also enjoyed swing dancing and community theater. She was a strong supporter of many organizations which serve the poor and needy in our community and abroad. It was her strong belief that we should welcome all of God’s people regardless of their circumstances, lifestyles or backgrounds. One of her frequent aphorisms was, “Afterall, we are not made with cookie cutters!”
It would please the family, if you are so moved, to make a memorial gift to your favorite charity or consider one to: The Alzheimer’s Association, Sojourners, Women to Women International, Episcopal Relief and Development, Nature Conservancy, Heifer International, or Christian Aid Ministry.
Two memorials are planned. One in California in June and the other in Ohio in September. Further details will be available soon. All who have been touched by her life are welcome to attend one or both.
