April 1, 1942 – Nov. 7, 2024

Reverend Dr. Beverly Craig made a peaceful transition from this world into eternity on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. She was surrounded in love with her family members and friends by her side. 

Rev. Bev, as she was lovingly referred to by all who knew her, was the oldest of nine children. She was born on April 1, 1942 to Leo E. and Claribel Muhlbach in Ravenna, Nebraska. She attended East Ward Elementary and Ravenna Junior and Senior High School, graduating in 1960. Soon after her high school graduation, Rev. Bev moved to California where she lived with her grandparents, George and Winifred Johnson, while she attended college. 

During her college years, Rev. Bev met and married James Sauers. They had two children, Tamara Lynette and George Geoffrey. This marriage was dissolved in 1983. She was briefly married to Donald Craig from 1991 to 1996. 

Rev. Bev answered her call to the ministry by joining Rev. Bill Schirmer at the La Crescenta Center for Spiritual Living after she graduated from the Ernest Holmes College in Huntington Beach in 1993. At the conclusion of the interview, Rev. Schirmer told Beverly, “You’re just the minister I’ve been praying for.” Rev. Bev also felt her prayers had been answered and accepted the position on the spot, serving in the capacity of assistant minister for eight years until Rev. Schrimer’s passing. Rev. Bev was unanimously voted into the position of senior minister in 2001 and served in this position until May 2024 when she felt it was in the best interest of the La Crescenta Center and its congregants that she retire due to a lengthy illness. This was a difficult decision for Rev. Bev as she loved her spiritual home and the congregants; but in her own words, she was ready to “pass the baton” to someone else who would fill her multiple positions and “grow the church,” always putting the needs of others before herself.  

One of Rev. Bev’s proudest moments was when she received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree in November 2019. This was an honor bestowed to her by the Centers for Spiritual Living organization (CSL), which very few ministers receive. Her doctorate was awarded in recognition of her many years of participation with the Centers for Spiritual Living organization (CSL), for her service and commitment to her community and for the years of participation and advancement of Religious Science practices. It was a rare honor for which she was most grateful and appreciative. 

Rev. Bev was passionately and actively involved in many community organizations. She held the positions of FEMA chaplain, LA County Sheriff’s chaplain, chairperson of the Sheriff’s Clergy Council, YMCA chaplain, Community Emergency Response Team minister, member of the Strategic Partners/Drug & Alcohol Coalition, Glendale Religious Leaders Association, director of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce, and director of the Crescenta Valley Town Council. These were not just titles; Rev. Bev was active – daily, weekly or monthly – in every one of these organizations. 

In addition to the organizations referenced above, Rev. Bev’s contributions to the Center for Spiritual Living organization Youth Centers were indispensable from 1995 to 2005. As the manager of Youth Ministries, she was responsible for the development and implementation of the United Youth Program curriculum. She trained ministers throughout the U.S. in the youth program. Annually and bi-annually she coordinated youth retreats, which were attended by youth from all over the country who traveled to learn Religious Science principles and practices. 

Fourteen years ago, in collaboration with Robin Goldsworthy, editor of the Crescenta Valley Weekly, Rev. Bev initiated the Spiritually Speaking column. The column is a Q and A format designed to provide spiritual answers to the challenges community members face. Representatives from different religious denominations respond to questions, which gives readers insight into the various religious philosophies practiced throughout the community. The Spiritually Speaking column is still active today in her honor. 

Rev. Bev was well known, respected and loved in her community. She believed that her purpose was to serve people and to share her deep convictions of the Religious Science principles and her love of the teachings. 

Rev. Bev is predeceased by her parents, grandparents and two sisters, Patricia Lynne Muhlbach and Carolyn Jean Erickson. She is survived by her daughter Tammy Gingras and son-in-law Mike; son George Sauers (and former daughter-in-law, but loved like a daughter Irene Sauers); two grandchildren: Peter Muro and Kaitlyn Sauers – all of whom she loved and cherished. 

Rev. Bev’s living siblings and family members who now cherish her memories are Linda (Terry) Ott, Pamela (Jerry) Pandolfi, Paul Muhlbach, Cheryl (David) Rhodes, Debra (Ruben) Zamora and Dennis (Peggy) Muhlbach. A very special aunt, Barbara Shepherd, a special niece, Kimberly O’Connor, a special nephew Sean O’Connor and his wife Debbie, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  

She will be dearly remembered by her church members at the Center for Spiritual Living – La Crescenta who Rev. Bev loved and held dear to her heart as well as many from the community who admired Rev. Bev. for her many contributions. 

A celebration of life service will be held for Rev. Bev on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living – La Crescenta, 4845 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta. A reception will be in held directly after the service in Chaffee Hall. 

A private interment will be scheduled at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Center for Spiritual Living – La Crescenta.