Marilyn Joan Nigh Beattey

Our mother, Marilyn Joan Nigh Beattey, was born on October 2, 1934, in Winchester, Indiana, the only child of Rufus and Ariel Nigh. On May 7, 2026, she completed this earthly journey.

Being the daughter of a U.S. Army Medical Corps doctor, she lived in many places throughout her childhood, but she has always called Fairland, Indiana, her first home. She spent her adult life in Indianapolis and Sturgis, MI.

Mom graduated from Fairland High School in 1952 and from Indiana University School of Nursing in 1956. She was a devoted member of Northminster Presbyterian Church for more than 60 years.

Shortly after graduating from Indiana University, she met our father, James L. Beattey III. They were married in 1958 and shared 65 devoted years together, until Dad’s passing in 2023. Their marriage was an inspiration to all who knew them. Together, they embraced life fully, traveling the world, building lifelong friendships, and creating a rich and active life together. Through every joy and challenge, their love remained steadfast, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew them, especially the four of us.

Together, they raised four children: James L. (Jay) Beattey IV (Julie Geurin), Merrie Lynn Beattey, Jeffery Nigh Beattey (Paula Sommers), and Mollie (Beattey) Smith (Adam Smith). She was preceded in death earlier this year by her first granddaughter, Jessica. She leaves behind nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Friends and acquaintances describe her as classy, lovely, kind, wonderful, sweet, sharp, fun, and full of wonderful energy. She was also a fighter, having survived breast cancer and recovered from several other major injuries.

Throughout her life, Mom put her family first, giving of herself with love, strength, and unwavering devotion. She made a special effort and took great joy in attending her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s many activities, programs, and milestones. Through special overnights, teaching sewing and cooking, and creating family traditions, she built lasting relationships that will live on for generations.

She devoted decades of service to her beloved Zeta Tau Alpha, a sisterhood she proudly shared with Merrie Lynn. Over the years, she served as District President, House Corporation President at Indiana University, and in numerous other leadership roles, ultimately receiving the sorority’s highest alumni honor.

Her service extended throughout Indianapolis as well. As a life-member of the St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild, she chaired the 1980 Decorator’s Show House. She also served as President of the Wishard Gift Shop Board. When the Eiteljorg Museum first opened, she eagerly became a docent, leading tours and educating visitors for 10 years.

Summers at our beloved Klinger Lake hold some of Mom’s most treasured memories. It became a place where she delighted in time spent with family, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren over countless summer weeks. The days were filled with warm sunshine, evening boat rides, card games, holiday gatherings, and dear friends on every beach. She and Dad opened their home generously, creating a place where family and guests always felt especially welcomed, particularly during the Fourth of July and Labor Day celebrations.

Klinger Lake in southern Michigan was always Mom’s heaven on earth, even though she never learned to swim. In her final weeks, one of her last wishes was to return to the lake once more, but her body would not allow it.

We also want to recognize Mollie and Merrie Lynn for the extraordinary care she provided Mom, especially during these last several months. Merrie Lynn, in particular, devoted much of the last decade of her life to caring for both of our parents full-time. Her dedication went far beyond any expectation and reflected the same spirit of love and service that Mom modeled for all of us.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 20th at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 1660 Kessler Boulevard East Drive, followed by a reception.

If you wish to honor Mom through a memorial contribution, she would be deeply touched by donations to Northminster Presbyterian Church or Zeta Tau Alpha.