Maryland Beth Beard, 89, passed away on April 17, 2014 at the Brennity in Fairhope, Alabama. She was born on March 11, 1925 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Royal Bartsch and Maryland Murphy. On December 30, 1948 she married Ronald Beard and moved to Greensburg.

Beth attended Indiana University where she received her BA and MA degrees. She was a school teacher for many years in Greensburg, teaching both third and fourth grades at Washington Elementary school. After retirement, she remained active in the local teacher association as well as Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Beth loved to travel, organizing family trips throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico and Asia. She and Ronald were especially fond of Hawaii, escaping to Oahu during the dreary Indiana winters. She and Ronald loved to dance and won several local Charleston and Jitterbug dance contests. Beth had an excellent sense of humor and a generous, loving spirit.

Survivors include: Daughter – Mary Ann Green-Jeffries of Albuquerque, NM. Sons- David Beard of Fairhope, AL and Joe Beard of Ramrod Key, FL. Grand Children – Catherine Green and Scott Jeffries of Albuquerque, and Whitney and Austin Beard of Greensburg. Great Granddaughter – Elizabeth Ann Johnson of Albuquerque. She was preceded in death by her husband.

Services will be held at the Gilliland Howe Funeral Home on Saturday April 26, at 10:00 am. Rev. McAulay will be officiating. Burial will be at South Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Decatur County. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com