Obituary of Beverly Rafko

Beverly Jean Rafko (Snow- Smallwood) September 22, 1959 - March14, 2013 Beverly Jean Snow was born in Monroe, Michigan on September 22, 1959. She was the daughter of the late Joseph Snow and the late Virginia Russeau. Beverly married Johnnie Smallwood in 1978. In 2007, she married the love of her life, Frank Rafko. Beverly attended Michigan College of Beauty for Cosmetology. For many years, Beverly supported her family as the Manager for Regis Hair Salon in Monroe. Beverly had a heart of gold and she was well known for her giving spirit. She volunteered her time, singing for the "We Care" Telethon, to help raise money for children with leukemia. Beverly had a passion for all children, raising her own and then taking care of her grandchildren. She was fiercely protective of those she loved and was everybody's "Mom-o". Bev also taught Country Western dancing and participated in competitions of all dance types. When she wasn't busy working, she enjoyed her backyard oasis performing gardening and landscaping. Beverly Jean Rafko, age 53 of Monroe, passed away at 10:44 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at Mercy Memorial Hospital. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by two sisters: Theresa Fetterly and Judy Snow; and a brother-in-law: Mike Knezevich. To cherish her memory she leaves behind three daughters: Crystal Bires, Stephanie Rafko, and Erica Raflko, all of Monroe ; two sons: Johnnie (Lindsay) Smallwood Jr. of Monroe and Kevin (Adrianne) Smallwood of Monroe; two sisters: Kathy Knezevich and Elaine (James) Stanley, both of Monroe; two brothers: Roger (Pamela) Snow and Joseph (Freda) Snow, both of Monroe; and eight grandchildren: Jhered Bires, Brandon Lee Bires, Nick Smallwood, Michael Smallwood, Charlie Smallwood, Morgan Revard, Madison Revard, and Collin Asssenmacher. The family wishes to express a special thank you to the Hospice Nurses of Flower Hospital, Hospice of Monroe, Dr. Trivedi's office and staff, Amy Reinhart, and Jonathan Bires. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 7:00pm on Monday, March 18, 2013 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 N Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Memorial Service will follow at 7:00pm, also at Merkle's with the Reverend Charlie Moore Pastor of the Church of the Lord Our Righteousness will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Monroe. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.