Jean L. Beaty

Jean L. Whittaker Beaty, 91, of Bucyrus died late Tuesday night, September 18, 2012 at Carlisle House where she had resided for nearly a year.

She was born October 2, 1920 in Clyde, Ohio, the only child of the late Carl and Helen (Voight) Whittaker. Her family moved to Bucyrus where they established Whittaker Battery & Ignition, one of Ohio's first auto parts suppliers. After graduating from Bucyrus High School, Jean attended Tiffin Business College and became a bookkeeper in the family business.

In 1942, the US Navy called for women to enlist for the first time in the WAVES division. Jean enlisted in October and was proud to serve in aviation during WWII as her father had been an aviation gunner in WWI. Her son also followed in their steps in Naval Air in Vietnam. Jean was discharged in January 1945 having achieved the rank of Yeoman Second Class. While serving, she met a fellow sailor from Missouri named William Beaty. They were married just before leaving the service and returned to Bucyrus where they continued in the family business. The Beatys purchased a small farm after their kids left home where she enjoyed caring for animals and gardens. William passed away in October 1986.

Jean is survived by her son, Bill (Judie) Beaty of Truckee, Calif. and their children, Hana and Paige Beaty. Her daughter, Suzanne Day preceded her in death in 1993. Suzanne's children survive, Bill (Amy) Day, Robb (Sara) Day and Kristin Mini as well as six great grandchildren.

After William's death, Jean moved back into town where she enjoyed the company of her friends. She was a very outgoing person and loved to travel, having visited nearly every continent and most of the United States. Jean was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bucyrus and a dedicated volunteer in the Bucyrus Community Hospital Gift Shop and Bucyrus Public Library.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 22 at 11:00 a.m. at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus with Rev. John Cory officiating. Friends may call one half hour prior to the service and burial will be in McPherson Cemetery in Clyde with military honors provided by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard.

Memorial donations may be given to the charity of the donor's choice through the funeral home.



Visitation:

Saturday, September 22, 2012 10:30-11 a.m.



Service:

Saturday, September 22, 2012 11:00 a.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

McPherson Cemetery, West McPherson Highway at East Maple Street, Clyde, Ohio 43410