Lois Ann BeesonLois Ann Beeson, of Winona Lake, Indiana, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, June 9, 2023, at the age of 92.
Lois was born on June 3, 1931, in rural Hardin County, Ohio, to Marvin Lewis and Ethel Fern Wierman Ford. She was married on her 20th birthday, June 3, 1951, to Joseph E. Beeson. They were blessed to have celebrated 71 years of marriage before Joe passed away on Nov. 3, 2022.
Lois was the oldest of four children and grew up helping on the family farm. She was the valedictorian of her high school class in Roundhead, Ohio, and went on to Taylor University where she met Joe and became an elementary teacher. She continued her education by completing her bachelor’s degree from Grace College and her master’s degree from St. Francis. Her teaching career spanned three states and 27 years, the majority in Warsaw Community Schools. She had a special interest in teaching remedial reading and had a heart for children. She was instrumental in starting Kiddie Kollege Preschool and taught Sunday School for many years at Winona Lake Free Methodist Church.
As a mother of five, grandmother of 14, and great-grandmother of 13, she greatly enjoyed family gatherings, especially summer picnics. Their long marriage was a wonderful example of Christian commitment and love.
She will be lovingly remembered by her five children: David (Jean) Beeson, Winona Lake; Kathy (David) Gales, St. Augustine, Fla.; Steve (Martha) Beeson, Winona Lake; Sherry (Mark) Klemme, Fridley, Minn.; and Linda (Tim) Francis, Winona Lake. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Edith Faye Greiwe, Carmel; sister-in-law, Marilyn Ford, Harrod, Ohio; brother-in-law, Gene Cox, Waynesfield, Ohio; and brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Joy Beeson, Winona Lake. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Beeson; sister, Phyllis Cox; and brother, Marvin Ford Jr.
Friends and family may come and visit from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.
Lois’ life will be celebrated with a service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 15 at Winona Lake Community Church, 902 College Ave., Winona Lake, and officiated by Pastor Doug Lemon. There will also be an hour of visitation prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
Memorial donations may be directed to “Kiddie Kollege,” c/o Winona Lake Community Church, 902 College Ave., Winona Lake, IN 46590.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
