Beverly graced this world with her presence for 83 wonderful years until she peacefully passed away surrounded by her devoted family and close friends.
Beverly was a remarkable woman whose life was a tapestry woven with love, dedication and an unwavering spirit of generosity. She was born in Oakland, California, to Jack William Warren and Ethel Betty Hayne. Her journey began in the bustling streets of Oakland until approximately age 10, when she and her mother moved to Hayward, California. This is where she cultivated the virtues of love, honesty and compassion that she carried throughout her life. Beverly attended Hayward High and that is where she met her husband, John Hay, with whom she had three wonderful children, Robert Hay, Shelley Hay Bassi and Leslie Chitwood. They were her pride and joy and she lovingly raised them in Castro Valley, California. Beverly’s devotion to her family was unwavering and her legacy lives on in her cherished grandsons, Cameron Chitwood and Zachary Hay-Belt. She is also survived by her four great grandchildren. Beverly was also married to Ronald DeSilva and William Bricker after her divorce from John Hay. Despite some challenges she maintained deep friendships with each of them.
Beverly had various careers in her life. She started as a corporate representative for McDonalds Corp, then attended bartending school and worked at several restaurants in San Francisco and surrounding areas prior to getting her real estate license in 1980 and having several successful years in that arena. In 1989, Beverly’s entrepreneurial spirit led to her purchase of the Knights Ferry Resort and Restaurant, which she passionately operated for 17 years. Bev was a pillar in her community dedicating herself to numerous organizations and causes close to her heart. She served on the Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury, The Advisory Board for Substance Abuse Programs, The Oakdale CAPS and the Knights Ferry Garden Club, to name a few. Beverly’s most profound impact was felt through her 46-year commitment to Alcoholics Anonymous. To say Beverly touched many lives would be an understatement. She helped hundreds of people find the path to sobriety, hope and healing. Her love for gardening was evident in the beauty that surrounded her home, which was a haven of warmth and hospitality to all.
As we bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, we celebrate the legacy of love and service that she leaves behind. Beverly will be remembered as a beacon of hope, a source of strength and a loving presence in the lives of all who were fortunate to know her. May her soul rest in eternal peace. She will be forever loved and missed.
Itinerary for Services:
Tuesday, March 24, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Visitation at Oakdale Memorial Chapel, 830 West F Street, Oakdale, CA.
Wednesday, March 25, 10 a.m., Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1225 Olive Street, Oakdale, CA, corner of Olive/Oak;
12 p.m., Burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Knights Ferry;
1 p.m., Celebration of Life, Knights Ferry Community Center, 17601 Main Street, Knights Ferry, CA.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
March 18, 2026
