Mary Elizabeth Beals

Mary Elizabeth Parks Beals was born to Emma and Lafayette Parks on October 5, 1917. She was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY. After graduating from Wellesley College, she met and then married Raymond Kenneth Beals on June 2, 1942. They enjoyed nearly 60 years together, only parting at his death on December 4, 2001.

A head start teacher and librarian, Betty authored a number of poems and songs and some children’s stories. She recently collaborated with her daughter, artist Barbara (Beals) Simonson, to publish a children’s picture book, The Easter Egg Tree.

Betty Beals will be remembered as a woman who devoted her entire life to caring for her family, friends, members of their congregations and communities. She always had a smile and pleasant word for everyone fortunate enough to know her. She enriched countless lives with her never-ending ability to give of her time and dedication to anyone in need of help.

Mrs. Beals departed to a better world on April 15, 2010, and will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her five children, Janet Brush of Temecula CA, Rev. Dr. Kenneth (Jackie) Beals of Staunton Va, William (Sharon) Beals of Lebanon, OH, Barbara (John) Simonson of Lebanon, OH, and Rev., Stephen (Karen) Beals of Seneca Falls NY, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Benevolent fund of Otterbein Home or your local hospice organization. Online condolences may be made at www.schmidtdhonaukucner.com