Obituary: Ernst James Bever

Ernst James Bever, who passed away Nov. 25 at age 77, leaves a legacy that reflects his kindness, generosity and eclectic interests.

The son of James and Anne Ruder Bever, he was educated at the Oxford McGuffey School, Deerfield Academy, Deerfield, Massachusetts and Antioch College. He grew up in a family that respected the value of all living things and the need to contribute to worthy causes. His grandfather Ernst Ruder, an original partner in what is now the First Financial Bank, set the tone and Ernst continued the family tradition of philanthropy. 

Characteristically, he did not seek individual credit for his gifts, but rather worked behind the scenes, with many of his contributions given anonymously or ascribed to the Ruder-Bever family.  

Ernst’s love and appreciation for art, nature, and animals was reflected in his major contributions to community projects throughout Butler County. He provided major support for the construction of a new home for the no-kill Animal Adoption Foundation, the expansion of Hamilton’s Fitton Center, and the remodeling of the Oxford Community Arts Center as well as enhancing the amenities at area retirement homes. 

But his generosity was not limited to brick-and-mortar projects. He donated family land to Three Valley Conservation Trust for the development of the Helen S. Ruder Nature Preserve. Miami University’s Hamilton and Middletown campuses were the beneficiaries of extensive funding for its artist series and related programming. Especially significant is Miami University Middletown’s Fantastic Free Friday series, a monthly musical and artistic outreach program that has served more than 76,000 individuals, many of them home-schooled children, since Ernst took over its sponsorship in 2008.

A complete list of beneficiaries of Ernst’s contributions would be too long to list, but the breadth of his interests and vision  is reflected in this partial list: Boys and Girls Clubs, Hamilton Rotary Dictionary Project, Butler Philharmonic Orchestra, Oxford Senior Citizens, Oxford Visitors and Convention Bureau, Oxford Community Foundation scholarships and special funds, Miami University Art Museum and Miami University Karl E. Limper Geology Museum.

There is probably no worthy local project that he didn’t support, and there are very few people who have not enjoyed the fruits of his caring.

Gentle, thoughtful and quietly intelligent, Ernst took advantage of any opportunity to regale friends as well as strangers with stories and trivia, especially as they related to places less traveled. Details on a music museum in Michigan, an area smalltown bookstore or a Hoagy Carmichael playlist were accurately recited with a smile and dry humor. Conversations with Ernst always took you to unexpected places and left you with something to think about. He would surprise people with his expertise on a diverse range of unexpected topics, covering details of geography, architecture and music with insight, remarkable memory and an ability to make it interesting.  

A big man in stature, Ernst was modest, always deflecting compliments while demonstrating a genuine interest in others. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of playing the piano and guitar and exploring the distinctive characteristics of the region, whether it be driving a meandering backroad or gathering friends to scout out fried chicken dinners at crossroad churches and restaurants.  

When he encountered a special need he would respond by checking in on the elderly, sharing and delivering fresh produce or making monthly house calls to friends to trim their cats’ claws.  

Ernst is survived by his partner Elizabeth (Betty) Rogers, several cousins, and many friends. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Oxford Community Arts Center followed by a reception. Attendees are invited to share memories and fellowship after the program. 

A tree will be planted in his memory at the Helen S. Ruder Nature Preserve.