By Positively Osceola Staff
Published 10/2/2025

With heavy hearts, the Osceola County community is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished leaders, Beverly Rose Hougland, who passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by her loving family.

On Wednesday, friends, coworkers, community leaders, and the many people whose lives were positively touched by Beverly filled the Osceola Council on Aging—an agency she led for decades—for a celebration of life. It was a service not only of remembrance, but of gratitude for a life dedicated to others, to community, and to her beloved family.

Born October 29, 1942, in Loyall, Kentucky, Beverly grew up in Harlan with her twin brother, Rick. From her earliest years, she was known for her gentle spirit, her kindness, and her ability to see the good in everyone. At Loyall High School, she was a flute player, cheerleader, and Beta Club member, her easy smile and welcoming nature making her a friend to all.

She carried that same warmth into adulthood, first as a teacher, where she was remembered as a compassionate educator, and later as a devoted wife and mother. Her life was one of service—whether in the classroom, at home, or in the broader community.

In 1979, Beverly joined the Osceola Council on Aging as the Meals on Wheels coordinator. What began as a mission to ensure seniors received nutritious meals quickly grew into a lifelong calling. Rising to become CEO, Beverly guided the Council for nearly three decades. Under her leadership, it expanded into a multifaceted agency that continues to serve seniors, families, and vulnerable residents across Osceola County.

Her vision was clear: a community where all people, especially its seniors, could live with dignity and self-sufficiency. She never allowed obstacles to stand in her way and inspired countless others to serve with love, perseverance, and purpose.

Even after her retirement, Beverly’s spirit of service never waned. In 2019, during Hurricane Dorian preparations, she was seen quietly volunteering. When asked why, she simply said: “But they need me here.” That was Beverly—selfless, present, and always giving.

While her impact on Osceola County was immense, Beverly’s greatest joy was her family. She was the proud mother of Catherine (Bob) Arft, Christin (Martin) Hagness, Warren (Mary) Hougland, and Amanda Hougland. She was lovingly known as “Granny” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, filling their lives with love, guidance, and the values of compassion and generosity.

Her family, along with the community she nurtured, carry forward her example of giving to others.

Those who knew Beverly describe her as both strong and gentle, a leader who did not seek recognition but instead uplifted others. Her extraordinary ability to serve with heart made her not only a respected leader, but also a mother figure and mentor to many.

The Osceola Council on Aging reflected on her passing with these words: “For Osceola County, Beverly was more than a leader—she was a guiding light whose vision and compassion touched every corner of our community. Her extraordinary life and dedication will continue to shape the Council for years to come. To us, she was not only our CEO, but truly part of our family.”

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Osceola County Meals on Wheels in her memory—a fitting tribute to the mission that was so dear to her heart.

Beverly Hougland will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever live on in the programs she built, the countless lives she touched, and the family and community she so dearly loved. Her legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and unwavering service—a true testament to a life beautifully lived.

Photo Source: Christin Hougland