Rita Ann Beeson

Rita Ann Beeson, 87, of North Webster, IN passed away at 12:15 a.m. on Sunday, February 12, 2017 at Lakeland Healthcare & Rehab in Milford, IN. She was born on April 19, 1929 in Gas City, IN to Lawrence E. & Lucille I. (Harshman) Richards.

She graduated in 1947 from Gas City High School and on June 26, 1948 in Gas City she married Hermer Franklin “Dick” Draper who preceded her in 1950. She married Royce Beeson in 1954, they later divorced, but remain close friends. She formerly worked as a switchboard operator for Owens Illinois Glass Factory in Gas City for 3 years & Crown Lanes Bowling Alley in Gas City for 2 years. She moved to the North Webster area in 1987 from Gas City.

She was a member of the Kosciusko County Home Extension Club, Tippecanoe Township Home Extension Club, Calamity Jane Club in Gas City & Owens Illinois Ladies Auxiliary. Former member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gas City & the Barbee Conservation Club where she was a Lady Hoosier. She was an avid euchre player and was inducted into the Marion Bowling Hall of Fame in 1985.

She is survived by:

Daughter – Patrise Ann Beeson of North Webster

2 Sons – Dan Edward Draper of Upland & Anthony Richard Draper of North Webster

4 Grand, 8 Gt. Grand, and 1 Gt. Gt. Grandson

She was preceded in death by her parents, 1st husband, and sister – Sherise Richards.

Cremation will take place at Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. St. Rd 15, Warsaw, IN. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 17, 2017 at Owen Family Funeral Home, SR 13 & C R 500N in North Webster with Pastor Dennis Judy officiating. Private burial will be in the North Webster Cemetery.

Memorial bequest may be given to North Webster Senior Citizens (S.P.E.C.), 301 N. Main St., North Webster, IN 46555 or North Webster Community Public Library, P.O. Box 825, North Webster, IN 46555-0825.