Mount Ida, AR — Bea would like to let you know that her work here is done. 14 days after her 99th birthday she received a call on July 1, a sort of an offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which she will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends she has not seen in a long time and job security. Her new mission takes her to a wonderful place where she will be socializing, dancing, sewing, quilting, fishing and reading to her heart’s content. Big band music, laughter and love are guaranteed. Food is delicious and you never gain an ounce. She left detailed instructions for her children, Stuart Schmitt and Sandra Hyett, to celebrate her mission here, which has now been completed. Low adherence to this instruction will not be tolerated.
We want to let her know that she did a great job and wish her a safe journey. We will remember her smile, her warmth, her energy, her love for life, family and friends. She was born in a farm house south of West Liberty, IA. She worked very hard all her life, up until the very end. She started work as a school teacher followed by doing washing and ironing, grocery store clerk and finally retired as a bookkeeper after many years. She made a difference in the lives of many.
Bea is happy again to be with her husband Ralph Schmitt, parents Ward and Vera McMahon, grandson Scot Burmeister, and sisters Lelia, Betty, Erma and Leona.
Bea is watching over her brother Robert McMahon (Betty), son Stuart (Sandra), daughter Sandra (Don), grandsons Stuart Schmitt II, Greg (Brandi) and Mark (Cathy) Burmeister , Granddaughter Sharon (Jose) Lucio, Grandson Jay (Larissa) Hyett, great granddaughters Kinley and Olivia Burmeister, Kirstyn and Kaitlyn Hyett, great grandson James (Soyoun) Francesco to make sure they don’t do anything stupid.
We invite all her friends in Iowa to a service and celebration at the West Liberty Iowa Community Center, Saturday July 6 at 10:00am officiated by Lyle Beaver. We invite all her friends in the Mount Ida area to a service and celebration at the Joplin United Methodist Church, Wednesday July 10 at 10:00am officiated by reverend Russell Hull.
If you have a little extra cash and would like to make a contribution in memory of Bea, she would appreciate your local support of the Montgomery County Extension Homemakers where she was coerced in to becoming the secretary, the treasurer and finally the president over many years. You can also support the Joplin and South Fork first responders/volunteer fire fighters and Warm Hearts Humane Society. If you’re broke you can always do a little volunteer work to help these organizations.
We thank everyone who helped make her long journey so memorable.
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