Beatrice Pearl Stiles

So He put His arms around you and whispered “Come with me.”

With tearful eyes we watched you suffer, and saw you fade away….

And although we loved you dearly; we could not make you stay.

Your golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands were put to rest;

God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

Beatrice Pearl Fritz was born in New York on January 11, 1922 to William and Pearl Fritz. and was the oldest of two children

When still a young girl, the family moved to California and settled in Chula Vista, CA. After graduating from San Diego High School, Beatrice, or Bea as she was known to those close to her, went to work for Rohr Aircraft where she hammered rivets under the motor cowling of airplanes. Bea was one of the many brave and hard-working women filling this vital position as World War II was underway. At the time she was earning 58 cents an hour and these positions were not without risk. The women were made to wear bandanas over their hair to keep it from getting caught in the machines and heavy shoes which they purchased with their own shoe stamps. Rosie the Riveter became the cultural icon representing Bea and the other American women and the important role they played in the war.

While at a dance Bea met a handsome young sailor from Texas. At the time he told his buddy that Bea was going to become his wife and on April 30, 1943 Beatrice married Earnest “Ernie” Stiles. Soon after they married, Bea began working at the Alameda Naval Air Station earning 68 cents an hour.

While Ernie was deployed, the newlyweds wrote letters which Bea has kept over the years. Ernie returned home after 44 months of service and soon after their daughter Joyce was born. Shortly after the young family then moved from Oakland back to Southern California.

In 1954, the family moved to Yuma, AZ where Ernie began his commercial painting business. Beatrice would often joke that she always had equal say in the business as Ernie was President and she was Vice President and it took two votes to approve any deals.

Ernie and Bea were very active in outdoor recreation with Ernie as President of the Yuma Rod and Gun Club and V. P. of the Arizona Wildlife Group. The family spent most of their weekends at their cabin on Martinez Lake where they enjoyed fishing, swimming and spending time on the river. The cabin was always filled with the laughter of loved ones and the center of so many fond memories for Ernie, Bea and Joyce. The family also shared many happy times in San Felipe and Puertocitas, Mexico.

During her lifetime, Bea was also an active member of Beta Sigma Phi, a philanthropic sorority, for more than 50 years, having served in various offices and the recipient of the Order of the Rose and Silver Circle Award, as well as Girl of the Year and was the hostesses for numerous community events. Through her involvement in Beta Sigma Phi, Bea found a life long sisterhood that would support her through life’s ups and downs. Beatrice was also an active member in the Hermosa Garden Club, Yuma Ladies Elks and the Yuma Reel and Rod Club where she would boast about her prized trophy for catching the biggest bass.

In the early years after moving to Yuma, Bea worked in the kitchen preparing lunches for elementary kids and later went to work for the Yuma AAA Club, selling insurance and making travel plans for clients. She was also a 4-H leader, a council member for Job’s Daughters and always involved in her daughter’s activities.

Bea and Ernie shared 37 wonderful years together until her beloved’s death in 1980. Shortly after Ernie’s death, Bea assumed the position of President of the family business but sold it a few years later. Bea continued her community and sorority involvement and spending time with family and friends. In 1983, Bea married Ray “Dutch” Feuerhaken and together they continued to travel and share interests for many years.

After living in Yuma for more than 50 years, Bea relocated to Ojai, California where she could be closer to her daughter and family. Beatrice enjoyed playing cards and games and spending time with her family and friends. Although Bea spent the last several years near the coast, those that know her best would say she was always a desert rat at heart and she loved nothing more than to sit and reminisce about all her fond memories of Yuma.

On July 1, 2016, Bea passed peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. Beatrice will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her daughter Joyce, granddaughters Lisa, Harmony and Janel, as well as, her great grandchildren Tyler, Conor, Katie and Nicholas, who always shared a special bond with his Grandma Bea, and nephews Randy Fritz and Kenneth Fritz. She was predeceased by her brother William (Bill) Fritz.

The family wishes to thank all those generous angels at Livingston Memorial Hospice and to her special caregivers, Jennifer Proffitt and grand daughter, Janel who made it possible. Also thank you to all the friends who shared her life.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Livingston. They are truly angels in disguise.