Denean Beals

Denean was born July 22, 1956 in Mesa, Arizona to Arlen D and the late Sybil (Price) Draper. She was the firstborn of seven children.

Denean was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved serving in church and was always willing to answer a call for service. One of her favorite assignments was when she got to be "Sister Friendly" and went around to the different primary classes in her big, silly hat to give little gifts and surprises to the children.

Denean married John Howard Brashears on July 18, 1975 in Beltsville, Maryland. From that union two wonderful daughters, Rebecca and Amanda, were born.

Denean married the love of her life, Melvin Ray Beals, on May 29, 1992 in Mesa, Arizona. From that union another two wonderful daughters, Harmony and Cherish, were born. When Cherish was born, she was thrilled that one of her girls finally had her brown eyes.

Denean was a very loving and giving wife, mom, grandma, daughter, sister, and friend. She was always reaching out to others to see if there was something she could do for them. You could always count on her. If you told her you needed her to help you or do something for you, she would do it. Her grandchildren knew that they could call her when they were sick and she would stop what she was doing and make them her delicious cream of potato soup or beef and barley stew. Oftentimes, she did service for others without being asked. She has helped so many others in situations from giving baby/kids clothes and shoes to families, dropping off meals, collecting toys/presents for the kids in her neighborhood so that every child had a Christmas present, to kids book drives, and so much more. She was always calling and checking in on those she loved, to make sure they were ok and didn't need anything.

Denean was very hard-working. During her years as a single mother she often worked two jobs. She has worked many different types of jobs from a cashier at a convenience store, to being a florist, to an administrative assistant director for Arizona Senior Homes. She even worked as a cashier at a candy store, which was Rebecca and Amanda's favorite, because she brought home candy frequently. Even after she stopped working a traditional job, she continued to work hard taking care of her husband, family members, and those she loved.

Denean and Melvin loved to take trips! They especially loved to go to California as well as travel to towns around Arizona such as Payson, Jerome, and Sedona. They wanted to get an RV and travel around the United States.

Denean's favorite things were music, flowers/plants, reading, and creating/making beautiful things. She, like her late mother, Sybil, had a beautiful voice. She loved hymns and uplifting songs. She created beautiful arrangements as a florist and could make plants flourish. She enjoyed making her own clothes when she was younger. She made memory/activity books for her grandchildren. She had an eye for decorating. Whenever she took on a project such as decorating for a wedding, church program, baby shower etc, or putting on a program, she always did a fantastic job. All of the decorations/displays were phenomenal! She always received lots of compliments. She received much joy from creating beauty.

Surviving Denean are her loving spouse, Melvin Beals, of Mesa, AZ , her children Rebecca (James) Amos of Queen Creek, AZ, Amanda (Carlos) Phelps of Mesa, AZ, Harmony Beals of Mesa, AZ, and Cherish Beals of Tempe AZ, her beloved grandchildren Taya, Kahnye, and Cambri Phelps, her father Arlen Draper of Payson, AZ, her siblings Erik (DeAnn) Draper of Chardon, OH, Kraig (Janice) Draper of Prince Frederick, MD, Sharlen (Duke) Potter of Coalville, UT, Caroline Robinson of Evanston, WY, Elise Nelson of Provo, UT, and Jacob (Lindsay) Draper of Gilbert, AZ, as well as many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind four step-children Gina, Teresa, Stacey, and Dusty as well as many step-grandchildren, and step-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother Sybil Price Draper.

Denean would not want us to mourn. In order to honor that, we are inviting those that will be attending her service to wear her favorite colors of periwinkle or blue, or anything with flowers.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 26, 2022 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Noble Ward, 10305 E. Southern Ave Mesa, Az 85208.

Graveside service for immediate family to follow after.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be extremely grateful for donations to help with funeral costs. Donations can be sent via Zelle using email [email protected] or Venmo @Carlos-Phelps. (Please use the "Payment between friends option)