Ruth A. Beathea-Bean

ELKHART -- Ruth A. Beathea-Bean, 64, of Elkhart, died Saturday (Feb. 6, 2010) in the emergency room at Elkhart General Hospital.

She was born Aug. 23, 1945, in Benton Harbor, Mich., to William and Sarah (Pearson) Beathea. On Oct. 16, 1987, she married Ralph Bean in Elkhart.

He survives along with three sons, Jerry Beathea, Bryan Bethea of Cassopolis, Mich., and Edward (Kim) Beathea of Columbus, Ohio; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four stepsons, David (Rhonda) Freeman, Willie Bean and James (Ernestine) Bean, all of Elkhart, and Tony Bean of San Antonio, Texas; five stepdaughters, Bobbie Edwards of Greenwood, Miss., Martha Bean of South Bend, Beverly Wohlenhaus of Minneapolis, Billie (Jay Martin) Bean-Grant of Dallas and Margaret (Vernon) Johnson of Elkhart; 14 stepgrandchildren; six stepgreat-grandchildren; three brothers, Samuel Beathea of Florida and Carl (Gloria) and Kenneth Beathea, both of Elkhart; and three sisters, Marie Larkin of Benton Harbor and Helen and Joyce Beathea, both of Cassopolis.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, William Jr., Ernest and Scott Beathea.

Mrs. Beathea-Bean retired in 2007 from the City of Elkhart Planning and Development Department, where she had worked since 1982. She was a longtime member of Canaan Baptist Church, where she was secretary of the usher board and helped in the children's day care.

She was a 1963 graduate of Cassopolis High School and earned an associate's degree in business from Southwestern Michigan College, Dowagiac, Mich. She was owner of a small boutique in Elkhart and a former model. One of her favorite things to do was shop.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Friends also may call one hour prior to the 11 a.m. Saturday funeral service at Canaan Baptist Church, 933 W. Fieldhouse Ave., Elkhart. The Rev. McNeil Stewart will officiate. A graveside service and burial will follow in Calvin Center Cemetery, Cass County.

Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.

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I want say you are in our prayers and we are sorry for the loss of your mom to Edward, Jerry, and Bryan

  Marlin & Dianne House and Horace & Annie House
  Summerville & Crestview , SC (2/13/2010)

WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT RUTH. SHE WAS A VERY BEAUTIFUL PERSON INSIDE AND OUT. MAY GOD BE WITH ALL OF YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS NOW AND ALWAYS.

  JUDITH (STEWART) BLANTON & FAMILY
  CASSOPOLIS, MI (2/12/2010)

Dear Ralph and family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Ruth here at the City for many years. She was an absolute joy to work with. I loved running in to Ruth at Goodwill where we were both out looking for bargains. She was such a first-class lady, and beautiful on the inside and out. I'm going through chemotherapy and can't be around big crowds right now, so I won't be able to come see you in person. I wanted you to know you have been and will continue to be in my prayers. Remember, this is a celebration!! A celebration of Ruth's life yes, and also an even bigger celebration of eternal life!!! Death has no sting!! Jesus died so that we may live!! We will all be together again soon in heaven with the saints singing and praising God. Our faith and God's grace and mercy will see us through. Rest assured. God's Peace to you. With love in Christ, Nancy.

  Nancy Gill Wilson
  Elkhart, IN (2/12/2010)

We are so sorry for your loss. Your family has our deepest sympathy.You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  Henry and Ora L. House
  Elkhart, IN (2/11/2010)

What Is A Friend © By Anonymous A friend is someone who understands and someone you can trust. They will listen to you both night and day without ever making a fuss. A friend will stand by your side when you are right and sometimes when you are wrong. They will hold you up when you are weak and provide support to make you strong. A friend's love is unconditional and unique in every way. And when you have problems a true friend will kneel with you and pray. A friend will stand by your side through thick and thin. And whenever everyone have deserted you they still will be your friend. A friend once said to me that a friend is sent from God above and I believe this to be true. Because God has sent a friend to me and that friend to me is YOU.

  Phyllis Macia Richardson
  Bloomington, IN (2/11/2010)

Wishes © By Anonymous Wishes are meant for you to ponder, they pass along to someone in need, or can be kept all to ourselves. Wishes are sincere in belief that all our hopes and dreams are within reach. My wishes for you are my own'..They are an everlasting trust that miracles happen and dreams really do come true. Understood is the value of a nurturing heart, the innocence of a child's eyes and the wisdom of an aging hand. I wish that the morning sky will forever intrigue you and the stardust of the night will captivate you. I wish that you will always see the man in the moon and entrust him with your deepest secrets. I wish for you a creative spirit that dusts your imagination with youthful dreams and opens you to wonderful surprises just waiting to happen. I wish for you to yearn for nothing and find contentment from within. That you will always know what to say to a friend, that your compassion will heal, and many more names will be etched in your heart.

  Phyllis Macia Richardson
  Bloomington, IN (2/11/2010)

For her Grandchildren and future generations, please allow me to share this poem with you.
Just Wait!! Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone, to have a deep soul relationship with another, to be loved thoroughly and exclusively. But GOD says, NO, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled and content with being loved by ME alone; with giving yourself totally and unreserved to ME; with having an intensely personal and unique relationship with I have planned for you. You will never be united with another until you are united ME; exclusive of anyone or anything else, exclusive of any other desires or longings. I want you to stop planning, stop wishing and allow ME to bring that person to you. Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I am, keep listening and learning the things I tell you, just wait!! That’s all. Don’t be anxious! Don’t worry. Don’t look at the things others have gotten or that I have given them. Don’t look at the things you think you want. You just keep looking off and away up to ME, or you’ll miss what I want to show you. And then when you’re ready, I’ll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any of you would dream. You see, until you are ready and until the one I have for you is ready (I’m working even this moment to have both of you ready at the same time), until you are both satisfied exclusively with ME, and the life I have prepared for you, you won’t be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with ME, and is thus the perfect love! And dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love. I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with ME, and enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty and everlasting union of beauty and perfection and love that I offer you with MYSELF. You know that I Love you utterly. Believe it and be satisfied. LOVE, Your Heavenly Father God ~Author unknown~Sister M. Richardson-Bey aka Phyllis Macia Richardson

  Phyllis Macia Richardson
  Bloomington, IN (2/10/2010)

To those I never had the pleasure to meet:
Ruth and I met over thirty (30) years ago. I was in my twenties and she in her thirties. I was about to give up further attempts to communicate with her. I reached the front door leave of home as she prepared for work that day. I here this deep voice from a young man, her eldest son Jerry said, I can tell Ruth Ann likes you. She's just kinda hard to get to know. The rest is our history. This beautiful straight forward no double talk woman, with a huge quality of character, class and style eventually became my friend but a big sister as well. She's just cool, mellow and laid back like that. Who knew I felt blessed to find my one and only true sincere best friend forever. Who knew. I smiled just now because, I remembered her boutique was named "Who Knew". We have to plan a party/celebration for my big one, birthday # 65, she said while raising those eyebrows, moving those eyes up and around, with a tilt of her head. Maybe sometimes a little skip of the leg, if she felt playful. But, "who knew?"

  Phyllis Macia Richardson
  Bloomington, IN (2/10/2010)

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me show love;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light.
O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much
Seek to be consoled, as to console;To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that were are pardoned,
And it is in dying, that we are born to eternal life.
This is Ruth from my view and share with you. Peace

  Phyllis Macia Richardson
  Bloomington, IN (2/10/2010)

I SAID A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY
To My Devoted and Loving Husband Ralph, my sons, Jerry, Brian, and Edward along with all my other family and friends!

I said a prayer for you today
and I know GOD must have heard,
I felt the answer in my heart
although He spoke no word.
I didn't ask for wealth or fame-
I knew you wouldn't mind-
I asked HIM to send treasures
of a far more lasting kind.
I asked that HE be near you at the start of each new day.
To grant you health and blessings and friends
and friends to share your way.
I ask for happiness for you
in all things great and small;
But it was for HIS loving care I prayed the most of most of all!
Ruth

  Phyllis Macia Richardson
  Bloomington, IN (2/10/2010)

I AM FREE
 

Don't grieve for me, for now I am free I am following the path GOD laid for me. I took his hand when I heard Him call; I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play, Tasks left undone must stay that way. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friend shared, a laugh, a kiss; Ah yes, these thing I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow; I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow My life's been full, I've savored much; Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart, and share with me, GOD wanted me now; HE SET ME FREE. Ruth Ann Bethea Bean
February 06, 2010 BFF- Love Phyl

  Phyllis Macia Richardson
  Bloomington, IN (2/10/2010)

I would like to offer my condolences to the family of Ruth Beathea-Bean. I met Ruth when I worked in the Pierre Moran Mall at a clothing store called, Lady's Designer Outlet. I was the assistant manager and Ruth was the customer. However, Ruth quickly became friends with me and all of my coworkers. Ruth in one word was, "classy." She was beautiful, sweet, refined, and a dignified woman in every sense of the word! I enjoyed her frequent visits to the store because we talked like old friends. The store did not stay in business too long, but I will never forget Ruth and her uplifting attitude and smile! I have no doubt that Ruth is smiling and conversing with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Rest in peace Ruth and God bless all of Ruth's relatives and friends in this extremely difficult time!

  Michele Linn
  elkhart, IN (2/10/2010)

TRIBUTE TO RUTH BEATHEA-BEAN BECAUSE YOU ARE MY FRIEND I’m glad we met dear friend, on that day so long ago. “By chance� we said, and yet I think God had willed it so. Your friendly way has brought me cheer, the thoughtful things you do; It means so much to have a friend, who’s always warm and true. You are the one to whom I turned, when trouble came my way; You somehow helped my heart to see there’ll come a brighter day. My world’s a bright place, and I’d like for you to know – It’s because you are my friend that helps to make it so. Ruth was a warm compassionate person, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, a professional, loyal government employee and a dear friend. Ruth was like a sister to me. But most of all Ruth was a Christian. Rest in peace my dear friend. Dorothy Smart

  Dorothy Smart & Family
  Elkhart, IN, IN (2/9/2010)