She was raised in Ames, IA, where she attended Iowa State University and met the love of her life, David Beatty. They married in 1952, embarking on a life of adventure with the US Navy, with multiple duty stations across the United States and Japan before moving their family to Rogers in 1972.
Shirley was a life-long teacher and a strong believer in education, especially early-childhood pre/school education. Having taught in California, Virginia and Japan, she also taught for many years at Westside Elementary School and later the Kindergarten Center in Rogers. Shirley continued her passion working on the scholarship committee with P.E.O., helping young women fulfill their dreams of a college education.
She enjoyed her friends and family and was remarkable in her caring and support of so many. She was always cheerful, quick with a hug and an “I love you”! Many delightful hours were spent around her kitchen table with friends playing bridge and enjoying lunch.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Dave, to whom she was married for 55 years and her granddaughter, Morgan Reithemeyer. She is survived by her three children: Barbara Beatty of Rogers, AR; Roger and Betsy (Beatty) Reithemeyer of Rogers, AR; Mark and Jane Beatty of Westford, MA. She is also survived by three grandchildren: Kyle and Naudia Reithemeyer of Altoona, IA; Anna (Beatty) and Emanuel Saavedra of Washington, DC; and Will Beatty of Brattleboro, VT.
Services will be at the First Presbyterian Church of Rogers, AR, on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at 3:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Early Learning Center, the NWA Food Bank, or Circle of Life.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.RollinsFuneral.com for the Beatty family.
