Mary Ruth Thomas Beeman

Mary Ruth Beeman, 69 of Odessa passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2013 at her residence. She was born in Doddridge, Arkansas on September 24, 1944 to Tilman and Willie Thomas. Mary graduated from Ector High School in 1962. She retired from Ector County Independent School District with over twenty years of service.

Mary met the love of her life, Dean Beeman, in 1987 and they were married Oct. 12, 1996. She loved traveling, reading and spending time at their lake house in Brownwood and cabin in Ruidoso. Mary never met a stranger and was a mother to many. She loved her family and friends unconditionally and will be dearly missed by all.

Mary is survived by her husband, Dean Beeman of Odessa, two sons, Jerry Branum and wife Denise of Odessa, Michael Branum and wife Susan of Odessa, two step-daughters, Laurie Kuhlwein and husband Mike of Dallas, Deann Welch and husband Todd of Midland.

Eleven grandchildren, Craig & Alexa Branum of Odessa, Ryan Durbin and Michael Branum Jr. of Odessa, Daniel and Daren DeFrain of Dallas, Everett and Justus Wenzel of Dallas, Tiffany, Carissa and Ethan Welch of Midland. Four great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Tilman Thomas, mother, Willie Thomas, brothers Willie and Travis Thomas, and step-daughter Diana Dean Wenzel.

A viewing will be held at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home, 6pm to 8pm on Friday. The funeral will take place at Life Change Baptist Church on Saturday at 2pm, 1000 N. Texas, with burial immediately following at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Family Support.org