Visitation will be held, 5:00pm~8:00pm Friday, October 24, 2025, at Hennessey Funeral Home in Missouri Valley, Iowa.
Memorial Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 25, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Missouri Valley, Iowa.
The family would like to invite everyone to a time of lunch and fellowship at the church immediately following the service.
Any memorials sent to the family will be directed to the Beebeetown Little League Association.
Claudia Ruth (Beebee) Mefford was born on August 13, 1953, and after a courageous battle with cancer, she peacefully rose into the hands of our Lord on October 9, 2025, with her husband Steve at her side.
Claudia was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Ellis A. Beebee and Mildred Eileen (Brundige) Beebee. She was raised and spent most of her life in Beebeetown and was very proud of the Beebee family’s history and heritage. She graduated from Tri Center High Schoool in Neola, Iowa in 1971 and continued her education at Iowa Western Community College where she earned her Medical Assistant Certification. She married Steve Mefford in 1980 and to this union, two wonderful children were born, Samantha Lynn Mefford and Joseph Taylor Mefford. After residing in Council Bluffs for a short time, Claudia and Steve purchased a house in Beebeetown that Caludia’s ancestors had built and began the process of turning it into a home to raise their children in a rural, small-town setting. Claudia had many talents and worked at a variety of jobs and held several different positions, successful at each of them. Most of her career was as a Medical Receptionist in various offices and clinics in and around the Missouri Valley area until her well-deserved retirement in April of 2020.
Claudia enjoyed decorating the home she loved so much, both inside and out and had a true knack for design and creativity that would change with the seasons. She filled their home with beautiful plants and outdoor flowerbeds they were the envy of many. She enjoyed hosting many family functions and would make sure every birthday, holiday or special event was celebrated in style. Claudia also enjoyed reading, listening to music, family gathering, time around the pool, visiting with friends on the deck and bonfires.
Above all, Claudia had an incredible sense of family, she and her siblings shared a closeness that ran deep, but the bond between the sisters transcended anything that could be put into words. In fact, they would say, “It’s a Beebee thing……you wouldn’t understand”. Claudia’s heart was in her role as mother and grandmother, (Nana). She loved doing everything she could to make every moment special and turn every occasion into a wonderful memory. She seemed to know exactly what to do and what to say to show each of her “babies” how truly special they were, how much they were loved and that a warm hug from Nana would solve any problem.
Claudia was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Kathi (Jerry) Laube and her brother Greg (Connie) Beebee.
She is survived by her husband Steve Mefford, daughter Samantha Mefford and her three children, Jace, Madelyn, and Caleb, her son Joseph and his son William, sisters: Becky (Jerry) Paar, Stacy Beebee, honorary sister Jane Corrin and many loving and special nieces, nephews and cousins.
11 Comments
I am so sorry to hear of your loss! I remember her with that beautiful smile and friendly hello anytime I saw her! Rest in heavenly peace Claudia
Thinking of your family in these trying times.
We are so sorry to hear of Claudia’s passing. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon her.
I am saddened to hear of Claudia’s recent passing. I am a second cousin of Claudia’s. Her middle name Ruth was my Grandmother’s name. Ruth Mullins was Claudia’s aunt and a sister of her father Ellis. I became reacquainted with Claudia thirty years ago when we was working a large antique show in Denver.
I am sorry to hear of Claudia’s recent passing. I am her second cousin and my Grandmother Ruth Mulllins was her aunt and sister to her father. I became reacquainted with Claudia about thirty years ago at large antique show in Denver, CO. I also enjoyed attending a BeeBee family reunion with her and my mother, Ruth Joanne Lienemann. Claudia was very knowledgeable about family history and gracious to share it with others. My mother loved to tell this story. Claudia and I were born one month apart to the day. Mother ( Ruth Joanne Lienemann ) took me and my sister, Nancy to visit Claudia’s family after I was born. Mother was holding me in their kitchen and Ellis walked through and said, ” What do you think of my baby?”
Mother told him that he had the wrong baby! Claudia will be missed by her family and all who were lucky to know her. Rest in Peace dear Claudia.
I’m so sorry for your loss!! I will forever remember Claudia’s smile and kind presence!! I went to Sunday school with all the Beebee girls. She was a classy smarty kind woman. My sympathies to Steve and your family.
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Wishing you peace and comfort.
Harley and Sandi
Prayers and my heartfelt Condolences to the family.. Claudia always greeted you with Love ❤️ and a smile
Im very saddened to hear of your loss, Steve. I didn’t meet or know Claudia, but I’ve no doubt she was a wonderful woman that loved you and your children and grand children. JoAnn and I send our love and prayers out to you and your family. Mark & JoAnn Kilstrom, Fountain, Colorado
Sorry for your loss Steve
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this tough time.
Bonnie and Marion
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