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.